Guys, it’s time to step up to the plate. For too long, women have been forced to bear the brunt of what should be a shared responsibility. For too long, women have had to take precautionary measures including popping pills, getting shots, sticking patches on their butts, or placing copper pieces where the sun don’t shine. (Those options don’t even cover every type of female contraception!) This is no longer acceptable. Reproductive health requires the active participation of both women and men and finally looks like us men will have the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.

Over the course of the past few days, I’ve been doing some research on international efforts towards developing and marketing male contraceptives. It’s been quite interesting, to say the least. I’ve learned that there are actually a few options out there (who knew?) as I came across some seriously intense and wide-ranging opinions on the matter. I’ve found that both men and women are very passionate about this subject (and rightfully so). However, at times, their passion is a bit… misdirected. I’ve seen reactions to articles about male birth control ranging from “Yes! Finally women can stop tricking men into having a kid”, to “Now I don’t have to use condoms for my one-night stands!”

Unfortunately, these reactions reflect the reality that we face when moving towards cultural acceptance of male contraceptive options beyond the condom (or coitus interruptus). This isn’t how we should be discussing or reacting to such an important topic. Having control over fertility and your reproductive systems is serious and important. I believe that the introduction of male contraceptive options should be addressed as an opportunity to push for a cultural shift and a wider understanding of responsibility.

(Note: Some people are truly embracing this opportunity. Take a look at the work done by MCIP – Male Contraception Information Project.)

What I’ve found so far is that there are a number of male contraceptive methods out there (ranging from the seemingly obscure heating of the testicles, to ultrasounds, to pills). However, I think the most interesting and promising method is called RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance).

Now, compare RISUG (a medical procedure under anaesthesia) to giving birth, which is on a whole different level of pain. Not so bad, eh? Women have been dealing with that pain throughout human history. So even though we can’t give birth for our women, it’s time for us dudes to step up to the plate and at least share the responsibility of contraception; whether it’s a surgical procedure, a pill, or another option.

As far as the success of male contraceptives in the United States goes, I think we have a long way to go. It will truly take a radical cultural shift for something like this to be accepted on a large scale. That being said, change can only take place as a result of the will of the people. We’ve waited long enough for more options, and it’s clear to me that the science is out there. As a man living in America, I want to be an agent of this kind of change.

Honestly, I never thought I would say this, but, I want birth control, and I want it now!

-Daniel, Young Men’s Health Task Force