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. Read More »

In this day and age, it seems like every one of my friends is on the birth control pill.  However, unlike most girls, most of my friends went on the pill to have sex at the end of high school, and simply stayed on it to enter college.  And while most people know the basics of birth control, few people ever bother to read the fine print.  So here are some of the most important things that you should know (i.e. all the stuff that’s on that little packet of info you throw out every month):

1.   Being on antibiotics can make the pill less effective

This is something that most girls do not know, but is often the most common mistake that girls on the pill make.  Even if you are taking your pill at the exact same time every day, if you are on antibiotics, they are working so hard to fight viruses that they can sometimes fight the effects of the pill.  If you are taking antibiotics, but are still healthy enough to be having sex, use a backup form of birth control.

2.   You may not get your period every month

As I personally learned from being on Loestrin 24, sometimes the pill may make your period so light that it will disappear for months at a time.  While you should probably get a pregnancy test just to be on the safe side, missing your period for a month or two DOES NOT mean that you are pregnant.

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Question for La Tuff? Answers may be available at TuffyLuv@collegecandy.com. While supplies last. Void where prohibited.

Dear Tuffy Luv,

My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost five months, and until recently, it has been amazing.  About a month and a half ago I began taking the pill – Loestrin 24 Fe – out of necessity.  The condom broke a few times and I had to take Plan B.  At first I was pleased with it.  My skin’s clearer, my hair (which had thinned in recent years) is thicker, and I haven’t had any weight gain.  There’s only one side effect.  But it’s a BIG one. I’ve been an emotional wreck. I’m crying on and off frequently and not am as talkative/friendly/outgoing.  In general, just not myself.

I know my boyfriend (and also my bff/roommate) sees a big difference and it’s definitely put a strain on things.  I get unreasonably upset if we have to cancel plans or can’t hang out.  I’ll get teary during a phone conversation and have no explanation for what’s wrong.  We used to have so much fun together but my change in personality has put a damper on things most of the time.  I’ve tried explaining my situation, and I know he tries to be understanding, but he just doesn’t know how to deal with me.  I don’t know what to do anymore.  Should I forgo the pill and go back to condoms or wait it out and see if the side effects subside?  I can’t imagine another pill having the same positive effects and no negative side effects.  Any advice is much appreciated, as the clock’s a-ticking and I don’t know how much longer he’ll be willing to put up with my shenanigans.

Please Help!!
BC Bitch Read More »

Got a question for Tuffaleh? Got an itch you just can’t scratch?! Email her at tuffyluv@collegecandy.com to be featured in her weekly column!

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m really in love with my boyfriend and we’ve been dating for almost a year now. He’s a great guy and I know he would never cheat on me. So I’ve decided to go on the pill and give up condoms. What’s the quickest pill to kick in? I am so sick of condoms. I’m not even kidding.

Thanks!

Val Read More »

In a college whirlwind of saucy stories, sexcapades, and scandals I guess I’m just a little confused. Women’s viagra??? Is there actual demand for that?

Alright so I understand that after thirty years of marriage things might uh, burn out… especially if your once abs of steel husband has steadily grown to resemble the Pillsbury Doughboy. Fair enough. But do we really need more meds solving our everyday human nature problems?

Womenra (can anyone say pla-ce-bo?) is a drug awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The pill is said to boost female sex drive. Yeeeeeahhh…

Technically it just helps you reach arousal more successfully, which in turn is supposed to make you want to romp around in bed more often, a fair correlation to make, I’ll give them that.

I don’t know, I guess I’m just old fashioned… shouldn’t the whole physical attraction/love for your significant other/just wanting a good piece of A-S-S be enough?

Silly little pharmaceutical companies, tricks are for kids! And Viagra is for men. A more effective product would be a life size Mark Wahlberg, not that that’s on my Christmas list or anything…