For years, women around the world have carried the responsibility of ensuring their birth control method was a priority and effective. Though there are several different kinds of contraceptives, the pill has become the icon of all birth control. Taking a daily pill at the same time every day is not only a pressure but sometimes a burden. The only measure a boy can take is to drive himself to his local grocery store to buy condoms and slip one on when the time comes. Women have been secretly hoping for a men's version of the pill. Our prayers have been answered. Kinda.
A study was done at the University of Edinburgh. As Broadly reports, "The study, released this Friday, found that a male contraceptive injection could be almost as effective as the pill, with a success rate of 96 percent. The study recruited 320 men between the ages of 18 and 45. Over the course of 56 weeks, participants received regular injections consisting of two hormones— progestogen, which lowers sperm counts, and testosterone, which reduces the effects of the progestogen."
96 percent is a high rate of success, but does not match the 99.9% effectivity of the female birth control pill.
In addition, men began to quit the study before it was finished. These men claimed to experience mood swings, pain, and acne. Sound familiar? Thanks men, for tapping out when an inconvenience occurs. Don't worry, this is what most women suffer through each time they begin the pill.
Before you call your gynecologist and cancel your prescription, take into consideration that this was simply a study and this method of contraceptive has not hit shelves yet. Much more technology and cooperation from men is required before this becomes mainstream and as common as the female birth control pill. Until then, good luck with the mood swings, ladies. Because your boyfriends can't handle it when it happens to themselves!