Male Birth Control Pills Are Almost Here, Inspiring Memes From Men And Women Regarding Potential Side Effects

For a long time, birth control has only been for women (aside from vasectomies or condoms), however, this month, scientists and researchers have announced a major breakthrough: contraceptive pills for men that have been proven to be 99 percent effective in mice.

The breakthrough was announced yesterday by scientists and researchers at the American Chemical Society (ACS). The non-hormonal pill that they've been testing on would be taken orally by men, targeting a specific protein in the body called the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α). This protein is one of three responsible for primary cell growth that, when limited, reduces sperm growth. In contrast, the structure within the contraceptive pill is called YCT529 (shown below). It's claimed to have "no obvious side effects."

Professor and Doctor Gunda Georg at the University of Minnesota is the researcher leading the initiative — an initiative that's appropriately titled the "Male Contraceptive Initiative." As a group, they're aiming to test in human clinical trials by the third or fourth quarter of 2022. Many are hoping they can bring the elusive oral male contraceptive to fruition.

After the study's results were announced yesterday, the striking headline was exploited by internet news outlets, amassing likes and engagement due to the inherently striking phrase "male birth control." Instagram news outlet RapTV even took it a step further, writing the headline over a picture of a pregnant man (shown below).

Men across platforms started to humorously react to the development. Some called it "Plan C" while others displayed ironic relief. Slowly, however, some men started to look into the pill, reading its side effects listed online. They included: acne, headaches, mild erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, tiredness and weight gain. Because of this realization, many started to question if it was worth it.

plan c jus dropped 🗣 pic.twitter.com/5jcj1Ua1Th

— 𝘚𝘘𝘖𝘖𝘍. (@vsqoof) March 23, 2022

i know soemrhing 100% effective … it’s called abstinence!!!

— lebron lover (@BronsBoyfriend) March 24, 2022

men want birth control so bad but they could just take estrogen and shoot blanks and be cute girl

— aspirin (@astridanomaly) March 24, 2022

The condom industry pic.twitter.com/FgAUkD7PAd

— FireCrotch (@crOtchFireIII) March 24, 2022

Walking outta the bathroom like pic.twitter.com/6Kiu4oZSHa

— Jon (@jonntheplug) March 24, 2022

Mild what, and reduced what, with what Ikma do to that pill, its gonna be major fast, so yeah I'm out. pic.twitter.com/KogY0dZc52

— Name is blank 🔥💣 (@callitblack1) March 24, 2022

Women then reacted, centering on the men concerned about the side effects. Many of them thought it was funny, noting how women have dealt with similar birth control side effects for some time. The banter got louder as more women chimed in, many of whom displayed relief that could be the contraceptive-less partner.

men being concerned about the potential side effects of a male birth control pill is HILARIOUS to me.

— selina kyle 🐈‍⬛ (@TheHorrorHottie) March 23, 2022

can’t wait to ask men if they are on birth control pic.twitter.com/qFx7eVo9zP

— Valerie (@worth_thesin) March 24, 2022

time for men to feel the wrath of birth control https://t.co/45a4vNE7bO

— Cam From Twittter (@camfromtwittter) March 24, 2022

Birth Control pills for men? pic.twitter.com/juOJWjfM2I

— OrganicBBW🦂 (@OrganicBBW) March 24, 2022

if male contraceptive pills became popular would we even trust men to take them on time

— Nia (@Nia_mp4) March 24, 2022

Can’t wait to say “Don’t worry baby ngyapreventa” when I’m on the male contraceptive 🤲🏾

— Que Sheisty (@QueyCele) March 24, 2022

If anything, the development of male contraceptives in the future will produce many memes, and hopefully, not many babies. Right now, as the story's still fresh, the meme economy might want to keep a finger on the pulse of this scientific discovery.