World Population Day 2024: Why There Is Stll No Birth Control Pill For Men?

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The concept of birth control has primarily been focused on women for decades. Since the approval of the first oral contraceptive pill for women in the 1960s, various forms of female contraception have been developed, including implants, injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and more.

Meanwhile, male contraception has largely been limited to condoms and vasectomies, both of which have significant limitations.

As the global population continues to rise, the need for effective and accessible contraceptive methods for both sexes becomes increasingly critical. This World Population Day, which is celebrated on 11 July every year, it is essential to examine why a male birth control pill has not yet become a reality and what it would mean for population control and gender equality if it were available.

Why There Is A Gender Disparity When It Comes To Family Planning Surgery

'Women in the Kodagu district have predominantly taken on the responsibility of family planning surgeries. Since April, 1,533 women have undergone tubectomy procedures. In stark contrast, no men have opted for vasectomy this year. Last year, only 16 married men chose to undergo the procedure,' says a report in the Deccan Herald.

Health experts highlight that vasectomies are simpler and safer compared to tubectomies. The procedure is painless, has no side effects, and does not affect physical or mental health. Despite these facts, societal misconceptions deter men from opting for vasectomy.

The no-scalpel vasectomy technique is widely available in hospitals. This method involves no cuts or stitches and takes just five to ten minutes. Men can return home within half an hour post-surgery.

Current Family Planning Options Put Burden On Women

Present family planning methods are often seen as inadequate and place a disproportionate burden on women. While there have been previous attempts to develop male contraceptive methods, such as injections and gels, pharmaceutical companies have shown little interest in bringing these options to market.

The development of an effective male birth control pill would give men more control over their fertility and family planning decisions. This could significantly change the landscape of contraception, providing a reliable option for men.

In a study on mice, an experimental male birth control was found to be 100 percent effective. According to a report published in nature.com in 2023, the pill works by preventing sperm from swimming long enough to reach the egg. The study also concluded that the medication is 100 percent effective for up to an hour after being taken and after 3 hours, its effectiveness dips slightly to 91 percent and further falls to 78 percent after 8 hours. After 24 hours, nearly all the sperm were able to move normally again.

Also, the pill is non-hormonal, meaning it will not affect testosterone levels, which could in turn lower sex drive or cause erectile dysfunction. It also won't cause side effects such as mood swings, nausea, or headaches.

Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Options

While hormonal contraceptives might cause side effects such as mood changes or altered libido, researchers argue that the benefits surpass these risks. Non-hormonal options, including penile injections or implants, are under exploration too. However, hormonal methods are seen as more promising due to their reversibility and minimal impact on sperm production.

The primary obstacle to bringing male contraceptives to market is unclear regulatory standards, deterring investors from funding studies. Despite this, researchers remain optimistic that with adequate investment and support, male birth control options could be available within the next decade.

Government Incentives And Awareness Efforts

According to the Report of the United Nations (World Population Prospects 2019), India's total population comprises a sex ratio of 108.18 males per 100 females in 2020. The population of males is 717,100,970 (717.10 million) and 662,903,415 females (662.90 million). Females are 48.04 percent of the total population, whereas males are 51.96 percent.

This means India has the highest male population, with 54.20 million. However, in this country, the sex ratio is lower than that of Asia which is 927.

Despite laws against pre-natal sex determination, gender imbalance persists and due to this, Kodagu's sex ratio stands at 1000 men to 958 women, according to a report published in DH.

Dr K M Satish Kumar, Kodagu's Health Officer, told DH that the health department is actively promoting population control methods. They publicize various family planning options like contraceptive injections and pills for temporary measures and condoms, tubectomy, laparoscopy surgery, and no-scalpel vasectomy for permanent solutions.

Further, the government offers Rs 1,100 to men who undergo vasectomy (both APL and BPL card holders), regardless of their economic status. Additionally, Asha workers receive honorariums for counseling and convincing men about the benefits of the procedure. Despite these efforts, interest among men in Kodagu remains low, mentions a DH report.

As we continue to strive for a world where everyone has access to safe and effective contraception, the question remains: what will it take to finally make the male birth control pill a reality?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.