Successful male contraceptive gel trial brings new form of birth control closer

theguardian.com

38 points·daegloe··8 comments

> If [men] knew they could get a reliable contraceptive that could also be reversed I think it would be appealing to them.

You think? If it was truly reversible, I'd sign all three of my sons up for it, and myself. The risk to males from a pregnancy (at least in the United States) is insanely high, and all the power rests with women (to carry or not).

Anything that gives men control over when and who to have children with, I'm 100% in favor of.

Yeah, it's like that almost everywhere in the world: girl pregnant, you don't want it? Shit, son.. time to be financially hamstrung for 18 years. Girl pregnant, you want to keep it? Shit, son.. you still don't have a say. It's fucking ridiculous.

Based on a technique developed in India and now the IP is owned by a not for profit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversible_inhibition_of_sperm...

Hormonal birth control costs ~$500/year.

This procedure could cost less - far less - than that.

Unfortunately, market forces don't encourage investment in it.

Negative impacts:

- Men have no direct control over conception other than condoms

- Many women experience unwanted side-effects while on hormonal control

- Environmental impacts (waste, estrogen)

- Unwanted pregnancies from improper use

I'm surprised that giving the sperm nowhere to go doesn't seem to be an issue.

It's effectively a reversible vasectomy, side effects have been proven to be minimal for decades.

Its reabsorbed by the body safely.

fun topic on it from ancient india: http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/Ayurveda/shukra-dhatu-closer-...

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