Birth Control: Why Is It A “Woman’s Issue”?
One of the earliest recorded methods of birth control was from Aristotle as early as 384-322 BCE. He believed using natural remedies such as cedar oil, lead ointment or frankincense could act as a spermicide (don’t try this at home!). Today there are over a dozen methods of FDA-approved birth control, and while there are a wide range of female-controlled* methods available, I can’t help but feel that we haven’t come all that far since Aristotle’s day when it comes to male-control options!
Think back to your first introduction to birth control. How was it messaged to you? Who told you about it? How did you feel when you learned the information? For many women of reproductive age, their first birth control conversation felt heavy on the discomfort and light on the details or support, leaving them feeling solely responsible for birth control decision-making. Not only is this an emotional burden, it’s also a financial one, and one that shouldn’t be carried by women alone.
Birth Control For Every Body
At ICAN!, we believe that birth control is basic health care and that everyone should be asked about their contraceptive needs and desires regardless of their gender. We train primary care providers to engage men and male* partners in contraceptive decision-making and to inform men and boys of contraceptive methods available to them, including:
- External condoms: A hormone-free, thin sheath often made of latex (there are latex– free options available for folks with latex allergies) placed over the penis. used every time you have sex to prevent semen from entering the vagina. It is recommended you change your condom every 30 minutes during sex. On average 13-18 out of 100 people get pregnant when using condoms with typical use. This is also the only method of birth control (either male or female) that also prevents the spread of STIs and HIV.
- Vasectomy: Aa brief outpatient procedure that involves separating the vas deferens from the testes, preventing sperm from joining semen that is released during ejaculation. This procedure is Considered permanent and should only be considered if you are certain, you do not children or more children. On average less than one in 100 people get pregnant after the procedure.
- Withdrawal/pull out method: This natural method of birth control works by removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from reaching the inside of the vagina. To be effective, pulling out needs to be practiced every time you have sex and requires careful timing and control from the male partner to pull out on time. On average 20 out of 100 people get pregnant when practicing this method.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade that protected the federal right to abortion, the search volume for “male birth control” has more than doubled. As abortion access becomes increasingly limited in dozens of states, men are increasingly searching for long-acting and effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy as other female reproductive healthcare options are restricted. Encouragingly, there are three new methods of male birth control in clinical trials right now – a hormone free pill and two types of gel. As the demand for birth control increases, including the desire for alternative male-controlled birth control methods, ICAN! will continue to work to ensure every Illinoisan knows about their birth control options so you can choose the method that’s best for you!
Looking For Birth Control?
We can help! Book an appointment at one of our health centers and get connected to a provider who can meet with you to discuss your options! We encourage EVERYONE of reproductive age to feel confident talking to their provider about birth control options and other reproductive healthcare services like STI or HIV testing. ICAN! providers connect you to care and can help enroll you in programs to access sexual health services at no cost.
*The words male and female are being used based on its biological definition. All gender identities can and do use birth control! Want to learn more? Read our article on Queering Reproductive Care and Birth Control.
Read more about male birth control methods in development:
