The Lantern

Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: Campus

The responsibility of birth control has fallen on females since its invention.

But a range of birth control methods now being tested suggest that society is putting more responsibility on males when it comes to using protection, according to Katye Miller, a coordinator at the Student Wellness Center.

"I think it's allowing them (birth control methods) to be more accessible to individuals," Miller said. "It's the woman's responsibility to provide the birth control sometimes and having different methods for men makes it a dual responsibility, specifically in a heterosexual relationship."

According to the National College Health Assessment Survey in 2006, about 39 percent of all sexually active OSU students reported using condoms the last time they had sex.

Miller said the advancement of birth control is giving both parties equal opportunities to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Currently at least three forms of male contraceptive are undergoing trial: an implantable device for male reproductive sterilization, a male hormonal contraceptive development, and a hormonal contraception in healthy young men.

Rob Richman, a senior in family resource management, said he might consider using a male contraceptive after examining potential side effects.

"When I think of birth control I think of females because I'm aware of condoms (for men)," Richman said. "But I don't really think of a chemical substance that I'd ingest that would release hormones into my body and change the chemical structure of what's going on."

Richman said he would like to do research and learn what the success and failure rates are.

Still, Richman said, "I think it's just as much responsibility for the man as it is for the woman."

Anthony Clint, a junior in family resource management, agreed.

"It shouldn't be placed more on the man, but equally distributed between the man and the woman because both have responsibilities that arise from becoming pregnant or having a baby," Clint said.

Meanwhile, newer products like Mirena and the Nuva Ring grab the attention of female students for many reasons. The convenience and security of these devices that are inserted into the uterus (IUD's) appeals to some students.

Mirena is a contraceptive that can lighten or eliminate menstrual cycles. This option can prevent pregnancy for up to five years and eliminates the day-to-day routine of taking an oral medication.

The Nuva Ring is a flexible two-inch ring that is placed into the vagina once a month. It can remain inside the body for three weeks and then be removed so that the menstrual cycle can occur. One concern is that it might slip out.

For two weeks, Megan Dixon, a sophomore in architecture, used the Nuva Ring. Dixon said the Nuva Ring could be either a good or bad option of birth control.

"People might become more responsible with it and stay more protected," Dixon said. "But they might be more sexually active because they think they can get away with anything."

Birth control methods can have different side effects like vaginal infections, blood clots, weight gain and nausea. Some types, however, can reduce acne.

Miller said people opt for different forms of birth control depending on the situation. Many women prefer oral contraceptives rather than IUD's like Mirena. Both methods must be prescribed by a doctor.

Teaira Van Dyke, a junior in psychology, said it is a girl's responsibility to use protection when having sex.

"I use both (condoms and oral contraceptives)," Van Dyke said. "I just feel like sometimes you're never quite sure about condoms so I just want a back-up."

"If you're the girl then it's your body, you're the one that's going to have to carry a child if something happens - you're responsible for yourself," she said.

"People are trying to be safer," Van Dyke said, "and they want to be more sure that if they take this pill or if they use this IUD then they won't end up pregnant."

D'Andrea Kinley can be reached at kinley.8@osu.edu.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools