Contraceptives could soon be available

for Eastern’s male population.

New research has trickled in from

across the globe confirming that there will be safe and promising

alternatives for men regarding birth control.

According to an article by MSNBC

called “Male birth control pill soon a reality,” these latest

advancements could be available for purchase in 5-7 years.

Dayna Delaney, a freshman pre-medical

major, said she felt that it was purely the women’s responsibility

for preventative measures.

“Just as a general rule, girls should

(take birth control) because guys shouldn’t be trusted to take it

on a regular basis, they would forget,” she said.

She also noted that having a male

partner take birth control would make her feel safer.

However, Scott Denham, a sophomore

business administration major, said the responsibility lies on both

the man and the woman.

Kelly Follis, a sophomore elementary

education major, said she also believes that both partners should

be smart enough to not only take care of themselves but each

other.

“If we’re in it together it’s both of

our responsibilities,” Follis said.

The most common contraceptives will

work by producing enough testosterone and progestin to shut off

sperm cell production.

This option is considered by

researchers to be one of the firsts to be tested and approved by

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Many other options are in the

beginning stages of development, which include an implant that is

placed under the skin, a topical gel and cream, an injection and a

patch.

Denham said he would be most concerned

about the possible side effects of a male contraceptive.

“I would be concerned if it wasn’t

reversible,” he said.

Michael Deavens, a freshman art

education major, and Joshua Brown, a freshman athletic training

major, said they both feared that taking a male contraceptive could

risk their fertility.

The New York Times reported that while

male hormonal contraceptives are a viable option in the near

future, concerns regarding the long-term side effects remain.

The contraceptive, which is a mixture

of injections as well as an implant placed under the skin, reported

that usual fertility levels where restored within the span of a few

months.

Tommy Hamilton, a freshman applied

engineering and technology major, said he would be more likely to

take the male birth control pill.

“I probably would because it’s another

method of being safe,” Hamilton said.

Jennifer Cannon, the sexual health

education coordinator for the Health Education Resource Center,

said a hormonal male contraceptive would be a good idea.

“It would give males more options and

make them in charge of their sexual health,” Cannon said. “It would

create that responsibility for males.”

She also said she believed it would

reduce pregnancy but could also make the use of condoms less

likely.

Males should still use condoms,

regardless of a male contraceptive pill because although male

contraceptive pills are helpful against preventing pregnancy, they

do not prevent against sexually transmitted infections.

“It would serve as double protection

and we would recommend for partners taking birth control to

complete Rubber Lovers and learn the 18 Steps of Condom Usage,” she

said.

Rubber Lovers will be meeting at 5

p.m. on Sept. 7 in Coleman Hall and students can receive a free

monthly packet of safe sex materials.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at

581-2812 or

“mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected].