Sexism In Contraceptives: Birth Control Pills Originally Made For Men But They Could Not Handle Side Effects

Women are often required to take birth control pills due to various reasons. According to recent studies, however, birth control pills are originally formulated for men but the male counterparts could not handle the side effects.

The hormonal birth control used to be intended for men but experts suggest that it was eventually rejected due to multiple side effects. Broadly then mentioned that medical experts suggest that women can handle the side effects of birth control hormones better than men.

"It was rejected by men due to the number of side effects," says Grigg-Spall, "including testicle shrinking."

Women were then asked to take part of the study where they were informed of the birth control pills' side effects. Upon knowing the side effects of the drug, countless women backed out of the studies, which then gave the researchers another approach in looking for test subjects.

It was mentioned that women in the mental health asylum were forced to take the pills as they were signed up. Women in medical school in San Juan were also "required" to take part of the medical test as it is part of the school's requirement.

These women were forced into taking the birth control pills without being fully informed as to what it can possibly lead to. This being said, National Women's Health Network executive director Cindy Pearson, mentioned that women should have every right to know before embarking on and medical study.

"This information shouldn't be hidden from women for the fear that they will make a wrong decision down the line," Pearson said. "Trust women to make good decisions when they have good information."

CNN previously discussed birth control pills for men. It was mentioned that the pills were formulated to control the production of sperm by targeting the hormone testosterone. It may seem effective but it was mentioned that the effectiveness still varies, thus further research needs to be done.