Birth Control for Boys
In a recent email a high school guy asked us how he could get his 16 year old girlfriend started on birth control. He probably wanted a quick phone number or an address but his question deserved a better answer than that.
If you're a guy and you ever find yourself wondering the same thing, there are some side effects to birth control that you'll never see on the label.
Side Effects - Real Man Considerations About Birth Control
Increased secrecy — If your gf doesn't want her parents to know she's on birth control, have you considered what's she supposed to do? Does she hide or conceal it? That can be difficult. Your girlfriend has to always remember to hide the stuff in a secret location. It's hard to be so conscientious all the time. Guys aren't the ones trying to find a "safe" place for the birth control. All this secrecy can get annoying and old after while.
Added expenses - Who's going to pay for this? Do you foot the bill or does she? Birth control can be pricey.
Disapproval and distrust — Let's say you get along with her family, that's great. But how would your gf's parents react if they found out the two of you were having sex? What would they think about you as a young man that they have trusted with their daughter? Parents aren't usually thrilled to know their unmarried teenager is sexually active. Don't jeopardize things between you and her family.
Strained Relationships - What do her parents think about you right now? What does your family think about her? What makes it so necessary to have sex in the first place? If you love and care about her, find things you can do in public with your clothes on. This could strengthen your relationship with your respective families.
Pregnancy - All birth control has a failure rate. What would you do if your gf got pregnant despite your most careful efforts? Think and discuss this. It's a really important question! Check out our web page entitled 'For the guys' and consider how you would react to an unplanned pregnancy. Way before you drop the boxers, seriously think about what you'd do if your gf got pregnant.
Unrealistic Expectations - Who wants the birth control? Is it you? Does she? Why? Having sex before you're married can make a relationship a lot more complex. The average high school relationship lasts only 10 weeks, what do you want her to do if you break up? What if she doesn't like taking or using the birth control? What if she has unpleasant side effects then what happens? Hmmm...
STDs - Birth control may help prevent a pregnancy but they don't protect both of you completely from all STDs. A girl can only get pregnant certain times of the month. STDs, on the other hand, are a possibility 365 24/7. People aren't always forthcoming about their sexual history. People aren't always faithful. One out of four sexually active teens will get an STD. For example, 90% of people who have herpes don't know that they have it. Pregnancy probably isn't the only thing you don't want.
Increased emotional demands - Your body might be screaming for some action but don't be surprised if your gf demands a lot more emotionally from you if you two are having intercourse.
Spend some time pondering these questions. Talk it over with your partner. Before you do anything, think carefully about the following. Hope this helps.
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