Dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) promises gender equity at the reproductive level
Scientists have been working for years to create a form of birth control for males. Many past trials have seen varied side effects, including reduced sex drive, liver inflammation, and multiple doses needed a day.
The Endocrine Society has found a new drug — Dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) — that may function as a form of male birth control Testing on 83 males has found that the pill seems to be safe and effective. Similar to the current pill taken by women, DMAU would be taken daily. The pill includes the hormones androgen and progestin. This drug works to suppress sperm production by reducing hormones, including testosterone.
Although DMAU seems safe for liver and kidney functions, like any drug, there are some side effects. Side effects of DMAU seem to be mild and include weight gain and a decrease in good cholesterol. Additionally, its efficacy is negatively affected when not taken with food. Miriam Klemm at the University of Berlin notes that the development of male contraceptives intensified in the 1970s, after the female birth control pill was released.The World Health Organization (WHO) played a large role in the early research of male contraceptives.
According to Stephanie Page, the senior investigator for DMAU, men prefer pills over other reversible contraceptives that could be created. While this could be the case, the progression may enable more types of contraceptives, allowing males the same choices as females.
Sexual scripts indicate that it is the man’s responsibility to provide protection against STIs (i.e. condoms), and that it is the woman’s responsibility to prevent pregnancy through another form of contraception. Contraception that males can take would allow for a change in this narrative, creating a script in which everyone is responsible for their own sexual health.While the creation of a male contraceptive pill opens up this possibility, a study at Teesside University indicates that it may take a while. Male participants indicated that they understood the benefits of a male contraceptive, but were hesitant to take it unless the long-term effects had been fully researched and there were no side effects.
Planned Parenthood notes that the testing for the female pill was not extensive but were up to the standard of the time. When the pill was released there were many unknown side effects that would take a decade to realize. While the pill has been improved there are still some minor side effects today, such as:
- Irregular bleeding
- Changes in sex drive
- Weight changes
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
There are also still serious health risks associated with the female birth control pill, but they’re very rare, particularly now following advancements in the pill. These risks include blood clots, increased risk for heart attack, and increased blood pressure.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons