The Claim: "A male birth control was cancelled because of the side effects it had"

Introduction

The claim that a male birth control method was cancelled due to side effects has circulated in various discussions about the development of male contraceptives. This assertion raises questions about the safety and acceptability of male contraceptive options, particularly in light of reported adverse effects experienced by participants in clinical trials.

What We Know

1. Clinical Trials and Side Effects: In 2016, a male birth control study involving hormonal injections was halted after participants reported significant side effects, including severe acne and mood swings. The study was terminated after 20 men withdrew due to these adverse effects, which were deemed unacceptable by the researchers 69.

2. Reported Side Effects: Common side effects associated with various forms of male hormonal contraception include acne, weight gain, psychological changes, and discomfort at injection sites 124. These side effects are similar to those experienced by women using hormonal contraceptives 4.

3. Current Developments: Despite past setbacks, research into male contraceptives continues. For instance, a recent study reported that a new male birth control pill, 11-beta-MNTDC, passed human safety tests with only mild side effects such as fatigue and acne reported by a small number of participants 5.

4. Public Perception and Acceptance: The societal and cultural attitudes towards male contraceptives also play a significant role in their development and acceptance. Many men express concerns about potential side effects, which can influence participation in clinical trials and the overall market viability of male contraceptive methods 710.

Analysis

The sources discussing the cancellation of male birth control trials provide a mix of empirical data and anecdotal evidence.

• Source Reliability:

  • The studies published in PMC (Public Library of Science) are peer-reviewed and generally considered credible within the scientific community 12.
  • NPR and BBC articles provide journalistic accounts of the situation, often summarizing findings from scientific studies while also incorporating public sentiment 67. These sources are reputable but may have biases based on their editorial perspectives.
  • The Vox article discusses the broader implications of male contraceptive research and highlights societal attitudes, which can provide useful context but may also reflect the author's biases 10.

• Methodology Concerns: The studies that reported side effects did not always specify the number of participants or the duration of the trials, which raises questions about the generalizability of the findings. Further, the subjective nature of side effects like mood swings and acne can vary widely among individuals, complicating the assessment of their severity and impact.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some articles may be influenced by the agendas of organizations advocating for or against hormonal contraceptives, which could affect the framing of the information presented. For example, discussions around male contraceptives often intersect with broader debates about gender roles and reproductive rights.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that a male birth control method was cancelled due to side effects is mostly true, as there is credible evidence indicating that a specific study was halted after participants reported significant adverse effects. The termination of the study was a direct response to the unacceptable nature of these side effects, which included severe acne and mood swings.

However, it is important to note that while this cancellation occurred, it does not represent the entirety of male contraceptive research, which continues to evolve. Recent developments suggest that new male contraceptive methods are being explored, with some showing promise and only mild side effects reported.

The uncertainty surrounding the claim stems from the variability in reported side effects and the limited scope of the studies, which may not fully capture the broader landscape of male contraceptive options. Additionally, societal attitudes and biases may influence perceptions of male contraceptives, complicating the narrative.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding male contraceptives and consider the nuances involved in ongoing research and public discourse.

Sources

1. Abbe, C. R. (2020). Male Contraception. PMC. Link
2. Gava, G. (2019). Update on male hormonal contraception. PMC. Link
3. Better Health Victoria. Contraception - injections to stop sperm production. Link
4. Weill Cornell Medicine. Making a Male “Pill”. Link
5. University of Washington. Second male birth control pill passes human safety tests. Link
6. NPR. Male Birth Control Study Killed After Men Report Side Effects. Link
7. BBC. The weird reasons there still isn’t a male contraceptive pill. Link
8. Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor. Male Birth Control. Link
9. Mashable. Male participants quit 'effective' birth control study due to side effects. Link
10. Vox. We still don’t have male birth control — but no, it’s not because men don’t want it. Link