Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Jilly_in_VA

(14,371 posts)
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 06:23 PM Jun 2024

Male birth control gel is safe and effective, new trial findings show

Every morning for a year and a half, Logan Whitehead, 24, rubbed a clear gel on his shoulders, waited for it to dry, then went about his day as usual.

“It was basically like a hand sanitizer solution,” said Whitehead, who lives in Torrance, California. “Smelled like hand sanitizer, looked like hand sanitizer.”

The gel wasn’t hand sanitizer, though. It was a hormonal solution meant to block Whitehead’s sperm production. The gel was male birth control.

Until this past winter when his participation concluded, Whitehead was a volunteer in a phase 2 trial for the gel. The product — which contains testosterone and a synthetic hormone called Nestorone that reduces sperm production — is the most advanced among a crop of novel birth control options for men.

If the Food and Drug Administration approves the gel, Whitehead said he would definitely keep using it, especially after watching his partner struggle with available female birth control options.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mens-health/male-birth-control-gel-results-promising-rcna153349

Seriously? You think most men are gonna use this? Most of them won't even use condoms, FFS. And now incel RepubliKKKans anre trying to block OUR birth control!

13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Irish_Dem

(81,262 posts)
2. Questions:
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 06:29 PM
Jun 2024

Will men actually use the gel?

Will they take responsibility for birth control?

How will they feel about putting gel on their penis?

Will the gel prevent STD's?

Will women trust men to be using legit birth control?
After all it is women who suffer the consequences, difficulty getting abortions
and even pregnancy care. And can die or be jailed, or hounded.

Igel

(37,535 posts)
12. You even read the OP?
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 08:23 PM
Jun 2024
rubbed a clear gel on his shoulders


My shoulder is quite distinct from my penis. One has an arm hanging from it and has bones, the other doesn't.

Irish_Dem

(81,262 posts)
13. Hilarious. Thanks for the correction.
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 08:27 PM
Jun 2024

I have been skimming the articles coming out.
And I did not realize it was shoulder application.

Thank God. They are reporting pain at site of application.

That is funny, I assumed genitalia application.
Which would be a non starter for sure.

My big mistake.

Thanks also for the anatomy lesson.

 

RussellCattle

(1,928 posts)
4. Good lord. Can a women be arrested for driving her husband to a vasectomy appointment?? How about....
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 06:35 PM
Jun 2024

……driving him home from one, when he’s not feeling his best and has been told not to drive and to take it easy for 24 hours. Or will (like Orwell) Mississip’ and Alabam’ outlaw vasectomies altogether and force men to go out of state? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

bucolic_frolic

(55,133 posts)
7. Are those hormones safe?
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 06:56 PM
Jun 2024

There is no long term data. What will he be like at 65 or 70?

Prostate cancers are influenced by hormones. At some stages treated by androgen blockade.

albacore

(2,747 posts)
10. I guess people are gonna have to weigh the merits of taking hormones...Women have risks, too.
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 07:23 PM
Jun 2024

Those risks have to be weighed against pregnancy and birth.
Men will have to do the same.

Mayo says:
Scientific evidence suggests using birth control pills for longer periods of time increases your risk of some cancers, such as cervical cancer, but the risk declines after stopping use of birth control pills. Regarding breast cancer risk, the results are mixed.

3catwoman3

(29,406 posts)
9. The article I read about this yesterday said the gel needed to be applied BETWEEN...
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 07:22 PM
Jun 2024

...the shoulder blades, and my first though was, "That's the hardest to reach area on the whole body! Why there? Why not the abdomen, the thighs, even the butt?"

getagrip_already

(17,802 posts)
11. There are reasons for men to use it
Wed Jun 5, 2024, 07:28 PM
Jun 2024

Some men don't want to get a partner, either short or long term, unintentionally pregnant and then be burdened with child support.

Really.

No, it won't prevent an std, but neither will the pill or a diaphragm.



Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Male birth control gel is...