You match with Nick on Bumble. The drinks are going well but the pub has closed. You both decide to head back to his to continue the night. Things are getting intimate, clothes are coming off and he asks you gently “are you on the pill?”
By Manon Dark
But why should women have to take sole responsibility of birth control?
Over the past 50 years, compared with the range available for women, there have been hardly any advances in male contraceptives.
Currently there are only two methods available for individuals with penises – condoms and vasectomy.
There are at least 13 contraceptive options for women, including a female condom, which raises questions around gender equality in birth control?
Presumed disinterest from men and lack of funding means that no over-the-counter male pill is close to being available.
In a YouGov study, a third of sexually active British men said they would consider using hormonal contraception. In the same study, a third of British women said they already use such medication.
It seems equality in scientific research is needed if we are to ever see a male pill. Let’s hope it doesn’t take another 50 years.