What if male takes birth control

After all, women risk a similar litany of side effects including migraines, blood clots, depression and high blood pressure because of hormonal birth control. Women shoulder the majority of the burden of family planning, and have been doing so, for six decades. Plus, nearly half of U.

Currently, the only readily available male birth control options are condoms , abstinence and sterilization.

Condoms help prevent many sexually transmitted infections , on top of pregnancy. However, many men want more choices to take control of their reproductive future. Here are a few other male family planning options that have not yet come to the market. This year, a study revealed men could regularly take a hormone pill called dimethandrolone undecanoate DMAU to prevent pregnancy without significant side effects.

The male birth control method lowers levels of testosterone and other hormones in the blood, cutting down on sperm production. After men took the DMAU pill daily for a month, their testosterone dropped to what was described as castrate levels. This means the hormone was as low as if they were castrated.

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Contraception after having a baby. According to the Male Contraceptive Initiative, birth control for cisgender males is likely five to 20 years away from hitting the American market. Although birth control pills contain female hormones, they will not speed up the process of transitioning from male to female. The type and amount of hormones found in birth control pills are different from those used in gender-affirming hormone therapy. If a transgender male or gender nonconforming person still ovulates and has a menstrual cycle, taking a hormonal birth control pill will affect their cycle and prevent pregnancy in the same way it does for cisgender females.

Some transgender men and gender nonconforming people choose to take birth control as a form of gender affirmation—they like being able to skip their periods. For others, however, having to take birth control can worsen gender dysphoria. This is true even if the person has been taking testosterone. A small study found that 1. Because of that, everyone with a uterus and ovaries who does not want to become pregnant should use a birth control option if they are having unprotected penis-in-vagina sex.

If you are not able or willing to take female hormones, talk to your doctor about non-hormonal contraception options, including IUDs and condoms. Taking charge of your sexual health is important—for cisgender people, transgender people, and gender nonconforming people alike.

Start by asking trusted people in your community if they have any recommendations. This might include your friends or workers at your community center.

Talk with your healthcare provider about what contraceptives are a good fit for you. If you are in the process of transitioning to female, remember that taking birth control is not a replacement for gender-affirmation hormone therapy. Cisgender males cannot get pregnant, since they do not have ovaries or a uterus. Yes, trans men can get pregnant, even if they have started taking testosterone. If you are a trans man or a gender nonconforming person having penis-in-vagina sex, be sure to use a contraceptive to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

If you are trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about the best steps for you. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Planned Parenthood. What happens if a guy takes birth control? Male Contraceptive Initiative. What is in development? Power to Decide. How birth control can help with gender dysphoria. Light A.