So, let’s say that some researchers in nifty white coats perfect male birth control tomorrow. Let’s say that it comes in several forms, just like current options for women. There’d be a once a day pill, a shot, a patch, etc.
That being the case, would you put your reproductive future in your partner’s hands? Would it matter which mode they were on?
For instance: your boyfriend/husband/lover/whatever is on a one a day pill, would you allow that to be your only mode of birth control (assuming you only use the pill now)? Same thing if it was a monthy dose, would you trust that he’d remember to take it on time knowing that the consequence of him forgetting would (might?) mean you getting preggers? Would it matter if he could forget a few days in a row without massive risk? What if there was a slight risk from him missing a day or varying it by a few hours, would you feel comfortable with letting him be solely responsible?
Would it have to be something like a once a year shot or something of the sort for you to feel comfortable with it? Would you be happy with whatever method he used as long as you didn’t have to be responsible for it anymore? Or would it simply not matter, and you wouldn’t let anybody else be responsible for you not getting knocked up?
Nope, wouldn’t let a male sexxer-upper (if I may coin a phrase ) take sole responsibility for not knocking me up, no matter how reliable he or the technology was. I’d feel much more peace of mind having us both on some type of b.c.–that way, even if he forgets, we always have my b.c. to fall back on. Plus, even the best b.c. is fallible–it’s always a good idea to have a backup method. Isn’t there a saying about “making assurance doubly sure”?
Nope! I’m the one who could get pregnant, no way am I leaving the prevention of such up to someone else. It’s my body, I’m responsible for it. I believe this so much in fact that when it came time for “permanent” birth control, I chose a tubal ligation over my husband having a vasectomy.
I wouldn’t trust anyone but myself. That way I know that I am soley reposnsible for keeping myself protected against pregnancy. My husband can’t remember to feed the cats… I wouldn’t trust him with birth control pills.
I tried to imagine a scenario in which I had sex with my husband, we’re dozing in the afterglow… then suddenly he says something like, “Oh, shite, I forgot to take the pill today!” Just thinking about it makes my stomach sink.
Obviously, it would probably shrivel a man’s balls to hear those words from his partner in the same circumstances.
However, for me, it’s my body that would be affected, and so I feel I should be the one taking precautions. To make my husband feel more comfortable, I take it at a time that he can see me taking it for himself. He doesn’t seem to be worried about it, but I try to put myself in his shoes, and I’d be worried about it. He’s been with some pretty shifty girls in the past. He seems to trust me with it, but maybe it’s *because * I go out of my way to show him I’m taking it.
I’d trust my husband to take a pill - he’s more responsible and reliable than I am. However, I’d keep taking mine simply because it turns horribly nasty menstrual cramps into barely anything noticeable.
For me, and assuming equal effectivness, it would depend entirely on what the side effects were of the various methods, and whatever method results in the least unfortunate side effects for whomever was taking it.
But his trustworthyness wouldn’t really come into it. He’s at least as good about remembering stuff like that as I am, and except for the actual pregnancy part he has as much at stake as I do. In fact, since he has the horrific genetic disease, not I, he’s got more at stake than I do, and better understands the consequences of failure.
Were I DATING, on the other hand, I would want to have personal control over my fertility.
You get them in the arm? I tried it that way once, and couldn’t raise my arm above my head for three days. I get them in the hip.
And even if Mr. SCL could use something as described in the OP, I would not give up my shots. Have periods again? Have major stupid PMS again? Not freaking likely.
Mr. SCL being a nurse is more reliable about remembering meds than I am. I know I could trust him. But if you value your life, don’t come after my depo.
I’d trust him - I was always horrible about remembering to take my pill, and he’d be a lot more responsible about it. I think we’d both feel more comfortable if he were the one completely responsible for the birth control.
Of course, we’re actually trying to get pregnant now, so it’s a lot easier on both of us - I don’t have to remember a pill or he doesn’t have to remember to buy condoms.
I can’t even be trusted to take a daily pill, that’s why I have the NuvaRing. I would trust Bird Man with something monthly like that, but I’m not giving up my NuvaRing, even if just for the menstrual benefits.
Well, since my doc took me off of all forms of hormone-containing birth control when I was 41, and neither of us can have anything permanent done until we have good insurance (which should hopefully be in a couple of months), yes! Because right now we’re stuck with over-the-counter goop.
) take sole responsibility for not knocking me up, no matter how reliable he or the technology was. I’d feel much more peace of mind having us both on some type of b.c.–that way, even if he forgets, we always have my b.c. to fall back on. Plus, even the best b.c. is fallible–it’s always a good idea to have a backup method. Isn’t there a saying about “making assurance doubly sure”?