A new study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found a newly developed male contraceptive to be 96% effective in preventing pregnancies. The study tested the safety and effectiveness of a contraceptive shot administered every 8 weeks to 320 healthy men in monogamous relationships with female partners.
The injection worked by reducing the sperm count and testosterone levels in the men. More than 75% of participants reported being willing to use this method of contraception at the conclusion of the study, but don’t get too excited just yet, ladies. The study was ended early after men complained of side effects such as acne, muscle pain, and mood disorders. I’m sure none of us have ever experienced such terrible ailments, right?
These side effects, which caused 20 men to drop out of the study, are nothing new to women. We’ve been plagued by them since puberty (thanks hormones), especially during that fun-filled time of the month when our uterus basically tries to kill us. Additionally, female contraceptives come with their own extensive list of side effects including, to name a few, headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, depression and decreased libido. Studies have found that 98% of women have used birth control at some point in time and 62% of those of reproductive age are currently using birth control. Those on the pill are also 23% more likely to be on antidepressants.
So, while it would be nice to turn off those daily birth control reminders and let men take on the responsibility, it looks like we’ll just have to wait a little bit longer.
Hang in there ladies.