Will men be the new pill poppers? Issue #31

In less than a decade, it could be likely that men will be picking up some birth-control slack

By Anastasia Masurat
Published: March 1st, 2007 | 12:00am

Tired of popping a daily birth-control pill? Men might soon be able to pick up the slack in preventing pregnancy. Scientists at King’s College in London are developing a male pill, which could be on the market in five years.

Unlike female birth-control pills that work hormonally, the new male pill prevents a muscular contraction in the penis. Men using the pill would still achieve orgasm, but they would not ejaculate.

It’s a novel approach to a biological challenge. For decades, scientists have struggled to invent a hormonal male contraceptive, but taming the tens of millions of sperm that the average man produces daily has proven tricky. In previous efforts, hormones were transmitted through topical gels or inserted silicone plugs that lowered sperm counts but led to side effects that may be familiar to most women: mood swings, acne, weight gain, and a connection to some cancers.

Scientists discovered the new pill accidentally after learning that certain schizophrenia and blood-pressure drugs have the side effect of precluding ejaculation. The male pill, which combines these medicines, can be taken daily or shortly before sex for a single use. The user’s fertility would return to normal a few hours after taking it.

That’s not to say this new pill is a miracle drug. Before it can be marketed as a contraceptive, researchers need to iron out some side effects that might resemble typical post-coital bliss — dizziness and drowsiness.

However, the bigger roadblocks might come when the pill is put to market, because of its potential impact on how people have sex. From money shots to the spit-or-swallow conundrum, semen does play a role between the sheets. Will men want to make bacon without the baby batter? If so, the pill might just spark its second sexual revolution.

To pop it or not?
“I would not take a male birth-control pill. I am definitely not against the idea of sharing the responsibilities. But I don’t encourage women to take birth-control pills, because the idea of changing one’s physiology doesn’t sit well with me. In my 20s, I didn’t question the concept, but now I generally don’t agree with it. I hear there are supposed to be benefits for women to taking birth control. But to me, the whole notion is suspect. There are some very good ways to prevent pregnancy without messing with one’s body, so I support those.” - Damon Locks of the Eternals

“Of course! Why wouldn’t somebody want to be responsible? Why should the woman be the only one in charge of that? It’s the smart and polite thing to do.” - El Vez