With some of the recent threads on birth control, vasectomies and such, it has gotten me thinking about how birth control has evolved and society has directed the path it has taken. It’s always been women who have had to worry about birth control due to society deeming that this was way. With the exception of condoms, everything is designed for women. I ponder why there hasn’t been drugs developed for men? With the advances in drugs for just about everything, how difficult is it to drug men's little swimmers? Is it really that hard, or is there something else at play here...? Is there anyone on the board that works in the pharmaceutical industry that would know if the drug companies just don’t have the funding for men's BC or they just haven’t been able to develop such a drug? I almost would think that its not a priority as there are far more important ailments that would take priority..
It seems that it is acceptable in society that women take these drugs and who knows what its doing to our bodies and the environment (evidence shows that elements of the pill is ending up in the water supply), while men just sail along. I know for many women, the pill is a god send and has many positive effects (the thought of being able to know exactly when your period will be is a selling point for me!!), but how did we as a society come up with lets give women drugs for 20-30 years and not develop any thing for men? Also do men consider or think about what their wives are potentially putting in their body? This kinda goes back to the vasectomy saga in another thread, why not share the responsibility? Ladies are on the pill until decided there will be no more children, then lady goes off the pill and hubby gets fixed. No more drugs, a woman’s body can go back to normal, the man never knows the difference (meaning no side effects) and all is good.
I have some friends that are in this dilemma now. They have had three children and he has 3 from a previous marriage and they are done having kids. She wants desperately to get off the pill and wants hubby to get a vasectomy. He says, why? Kinda jokingly, and is really not taking her seriously which just annoys her. Is this pretty common in today's households (mainly late 30's and older)?
Another question to ponder is men ask, or just let their wives be on some form of drug for birth control and women accept it no problems, but when a woman asks a man to get a 30 minute, one time procedure they get all worked up about it. For you men that have been faced with this what were your first thoughts when you were asked?
Men, do you have any thoughts or concerns about your wife having to be on a drug to prevent pregnancy? Or have you just really never thought about it before?
Women, are you concerned about the long term effects of the method of BC you use? Do you feel that the benifits(benifits other than pregnancy protection) outway the negative?
Disclaimer: I am trying to generate a friendly discussion, not fight. I am not trying to persuade anyone into doing anything. I just want some insight and thoughts on the subject and to understand other's ways of thinking. If some of you women want to stay on the pill for ever than more power to you, it's your body.
Men if you don’t want a vasectomy then don’t get one.