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Male Hormonal Birth Control
July 16, 2008 |
Nearly 20% of American men polled by pharmaceutical companies say they would use
a form of hormonal birth control. Cape Coral resident Heath Hanson says he also
thinks it would be a good option to have. “You know the old cliché it takes two
to tango. If you’re going to have any kind of relationship, a sexual
relationship with somebody, it’s the responsibility of both people to take the
necessary precautions.”
Dr. Craig Sweet is an endocrinology and infertility specialist. He supports
research and studies that look into a hormonal birth control option for men.
“Pills, patches, gels, implants, you name it, some sort of method that would
either decrease the abduction of sperm or confuse the sperm so they couldn’t
fertilize would be an excellent option for couples. There are no options
available in this country right now.”
But what is happening right now is research. There are several small studies
being conducted across the world. “The research is going, trying to find a
balance to make sure that it is safe and effective and reversible,” says Dr.
Sweet. He adds that most medications being tested combine the hormone
testosterone with a progestin. But it could still be a while before men can
prescribe to a hormonal form of birth control. “If they are in phase three
studies it could be six years; if they’re not in phase three it could be closer
to eight to ten years before the FDA approves.”
If it does become available soon to men, Dr. Sweet says it’s important to
remember it would not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. |
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