As centuries pass and technology advances, women have been given multiple options for contraception.
Women have always had the majority of the responsibility when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. From the birth control pill to hysterectomies, women have constantly put their bodies through pain and complicated side effects to protect themselves and their partner from an unwanted pregnancy.
With over 10 forms of contraception, it would seem the woman has more responsibilities on her shoulders when it comes to sex. What about the man?
There are far less male forms of contraception than female contraception. Men have three commonly known forms of contraception. Two of them are seemingly unrealistic. Condoms are the most commonly used. However, condoms are only 85 percent effective against sexual transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
Most female contraceptives are 99 percent effective, which is significantly better than the most commonly used form of contraception. There are also vasectomies, but young men are not going to go through such a procedure so early in their life.
A vasectomy is a quick procedure where a male could be on bed rest for two weeks at the most. When a female has a hysterectomy, she will be on bed rest six weeks to a few months. Worst of all, men actually think the “pull-out method” is an excellent form of contraception. This method is a joke and entirely too risky to take a chance on. It is only 78 percent effective and leaves too much room for error.
Males should have more responsibility when it comes to birth control. Science and technology have come far in the world. Instead of constantly experimenting on the female body with new products like Nexplanon, the NuvaRing and Mirena, try something new on the male anatomy. Stick something in their forearm to stop their soldiers from marching. Make an incision on their testicles and put a t-shaped plastic stick inside their bodies. Let men experience the side effects of mood swings, nausea, back pain, dizziness and weight gain.
Most forms of birth control are temporary, so men should also be open to using temporary forms as well. Scientists have even taken it upon themselves to create a “man pill,” but men will not take it. They are choosing not to play an active role in the responsibility of avoiding pregnancy.
“In truth, the hormonal side effects in men are much less than side effects were for women when the pill was introduced,” said Dr. Stephanie Page, head of endocrinology at the University of Washington.“It’s just that the bar for what people are willing to tolerate is a lot different. It’s really a matter of who’s going to benefit. Pregnancy, in theory, is still a life-threatening condition for a woman. Preventing a pregnancy is important to a man for a lot of reasons, but not for his personal health.”
Men are letting their personal ego and weakness stop them from being responsible. It is selfish and honestly, they should do better. Making a child with someone is a two-way process, so why only make a one-way protection plan?
Kiana Naquin is a 20-year-old English sophomore form Baton Rouge, Louisiana.