Guys don’t have a lot of contraceptive options – abstinence, condoms, and vasectomies are about the extent of it. All three of those options have drawbacks ranging from unrealistic (sup, abstinence for life) to mildly annoying to painful, expensive, and permanent. Luckily, the medical community has noticed a need for more options and one in particular has been getting a lot of buzz. While I totally support men having the opportunity to do their part to keep babies from being formed, I am not nearly as gung-ho about male birth control as a lot of people are.

It’s pretty obnoxious that women’s bodies are always preparing to get pregnant. I wish we all had an internal switch that defaulted to the “off” position, and could only be activated through some sort of baby-making chant, therefore notifying our bodies that yes, we are open for business. Unfortunately, that is not the case. So once we start fornicating for fun, the number one priority is keeping our uteri as unoccupied as possible. As women, we bear the majority of the consequences if our birth control fails. It’s not fair – in fact, it completely and utterly sucks, but that’s how it is, and I’ve come to terms with it. This is pretty cynical, but ultimately, I don’t expect anyone else to be nearly as invested in my body as I am. So even if  men had a zillion different birth control options, I would never relinquish an ounce of control in this regard.

However, I’m not suggesting that guys should be totally blase and laid back about contraception. At a bare minimum, dudes should at least be familiar with the most popular forms of female birth control and its side effects. If they’re in long term relationships, they should offer to help pay for some of the cost. And, when they’re engaging in casual sex, they should always be prepared with condoms and not say stupid shit like, “but you’re on the pill, right?” It’s not only absurdly immature and rude to put the onus on the girl immediately, but also beyond irresponsible from a health standpoint. And if guys are totally willing to let their balls be injected with a needle, that’s awesome. But, for as long as I’m the one who faces the most severe consequences of birth control goes awry, I will always assume more responsibility.

[Lead image via Deklofenak/Shutterstock]

Birth control. It has been a constant topic in the news these days as the Republican race continues to annoy the hell out of me. Women’s rights? Who needs those? Yuck! But I digress. Birth control is one of the most important things to remember for a sexually active person. It’s the smart way to have sex and without it, we can get ourselves into all sorts of trouble. The only thing that has plagued us women for years is that there was no male contraceptive that dudes could take to stop their sperm from swimming, but is that all about to change?

A recent article came out in regards to male birth control. Is this all too good to be true? According to recent studies, there is a male birth control that works as an injection. One shot and men have birth control for up to 10 years. Is this too good to be true? There is no way that this can be possible. One shot? And ten years of protection from baby making? I just can’t believe it!

Is this the answer to our girl prayers? Are men finally going to be able to take a medication that will  finally stop awkwardly putting on condoms (if you’re both tested and monogamous) and taking a pill a day? I am so skeptical and cynical, but I want to believe in this. I want to believe there’s hope! I will keep up with this progress and check for updates on this male injection that could change safe sex forever. Here’s to hoping!

Katie is finishing up her undergrad at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She enjoys wasting hours on Facebook and tweeting things no one cares about. When asked the question, “Do you do marathons?” She promptly responds, “Of course! Which show?” Follow her @KatieGarrity! Or read her personal blog where she talks about Ryan Gosling and hummus a lot here! 

[Lead image via Petrenko Andriy/Shutterstock]

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Male and female condoms. Birth control pills, shots, patches and rings. As a smart, independent college woman, you’re no doubt familiar with the range of contraceptive options. But soon, a new one may be added to the list – male hormonal birth control.

Over the last several years, hints at the possibility of a reversible form of male birth control have popped up here and there. But new research is providing evidence that a safe, effective form of hormonal birth control for guys is well within reach. And the idea has already built up strong support. This month, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will hold a conference to discuss the recent advances in male birth control research.

There are several potential forms of birth control for men, all of which are being thoroughly researched. One method is very similar to existing female birth control pills. It uses the hormones testosterone and progestin to send signals to the body to stop producing sperm. However, there are still issues with side effects for this method in some men. One side effect may surprise you – drinking alcohol when taking these drugs makes patients sick. So, maybe this one isn’t quite ready for college.

Another method involves injecting a gel to inactive sperm into the scrotum. The third method uses an ultrasound to briefly heat the testes, which stops sperm production for months. And, similar to hormone pills, another method involves a hormone implant.

All of these methods have been shown to be reversible, unlike existing procedures such as the vasectomy. More extensive research will be needed to make sure that these forms of birth control really are safe and reliable. But scientists are optimistic – some estimate that a male birth control daily pill could be on the market within 5 to 7 years, and implants may be available even sooner.

This is great news for ladies who may have problems with hormonal birth control. It could also be nice for couples who prefer to avoid condoms for whatever reason – although, as always, no form of hormonal birth control can protect against STDs. So don’t pitch your condom stash just yet!

What do you think? Would you want your boyfriend/friend with benefits/random hookup to try male birth control? And do you think guys will even go for this in the first place? Let us know what you think!

But what choice do we have, really? Condoms aren’t perfect, abstinence isn’t gonna happen, and I can barely take care of myself, let alone bring a child into my world.

Oh, and guys are always expecting it now! Seriously; I once told my ex that I wasn’t taking the pill and he looked at me like I had just told him I pooped in his shoe. How is that fair?

If only there were a birth control pill for guys. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Let them deal with all the crap we’ve been taking care of for years. Do you think guys would take it? Do you even think they know how good they have it?

Angry (it’s not my fault; my hormones go nuts on this damn pill!) I asked a boy those very questions. His answers surprised me (and made me cry…again, the hormones).