What Happens If a Man Takes Female Birth Control Regularly

In the ever-changing landscape of reproductive health, the quest for a male birth control pill has been the subject of research for a while now, with tests on two pills still ongoing since 2019. While female birth control pills have long been available, they’re designed for, well, females. They’re packed with hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. But what happens when these female-centric hormones meet the male body? The results can be quite surprising.

When a man takes birth control, his body gets a dose of estrogen and progesterone, hormones typically found in higher levels in women. These hormones can cause a variety of changes in a man’s body, from physical alterations to emotional shifts. The influx of female hormones can lead to the development of secondary female characteristics, such as breast enlargement, a decrease in body hair, and even changes in fat distribution, leading to a more feminine body shape. Worse yet, it’s not all about the physical. The hormones in birth control pills can also affect a man’s sexual health. They can lead to a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, and potentially even fertility issues. 

The Emotional Roller Coaster 

I mentioned emotional shifts before, and this is way more common. The changes don’t have to be just skin deep. The hormones in birth control can also impact a man’s mood and emotional state. Some men might experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety. It’s a bit like a hormonal roller coaster, and it’s not a ride everyone enjoys. 

So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, it’s pretty simple. Female birth control is designed for females. It’s not meant for men and taking it can lead to a host of unexpected and potentially harmful side effects. The long-term effects are still somewhat of a mystery due to a lack of research in this area, mainly because it’s not common practice for men to take birth control. But why would you play Russian roulette with your sexual health? It’s not a game most men would want to play.

In the end, the question isn’t so much “What happens if a man takes birth control?” but rather “Should a man take birth control?” And the answer to that is a resounding no. There are plenty of male-specific methods out there, from condoms to vasectomies. These are much safer (although you should do a lot of research before considering a vasectomy, that’s no light matter either). So, leave the birth control pills to the ladies.