Britt Stromberg

When it comes to birth control, what side effects are acceptable? In 2011, researchers halted one trial for male contraceptives because the side effects included mood swings and depression. Yet for decades—even as researchers emphasize the development of easy, risk-free options for men—women have dealt with hormones and implants, Katherine J. Wu tells Hanna Rosin on “Radio Atlantic.”⁠ ⁠ New male contraceptives that could hit the market within the next couple of decades include a hormone-free pill, an injection that has similar effects to a vasectomy but is easily reversible, and a topical gel that men can rub on their shoulders. This potential new future—even as it reveals a frustrating double standard—could ease the weight of family planning on women.⁠ ⁠ “I think there is this growing feeling that the burden of contraception, preventing pregnancy, and taking on the risks of doing that has really fallen unfairly on women,” Wu says. “And it’s time that we spread that around a little bit more. There are actually male participants in trials for some of these birth-control methods—for male contraception—who say part of the reason that they want to participate is they watch their female partners go through the side effects and the hassle of taking birth control, and they feel guilty, they feel frustrated, they feel like, ‘Why can’t I be doing more to help out?’”⁠ ⁠ And beyond offering numerous birth-control options for a partner, new forms of male contraception could also inspire innovations for women. “Why can’t we revamp female contraception at the same time?” Wu asks at the link in our bio. “Not just by saying, ‘Hey, there are more options for your partner to take,’ but ‘There are also better options for you to take, too.’”⁠ ⁠ 🎨: The Atlantic. Source: SSPL / Getty