Gender and Contraception
The latex condom was invented in 1912. Since then, every contraceptive technology developed has placed the onus of contraception on women.
Female-Initiated Contraception
Oral Contraceptive Pill
Hormonal Injection, Patches, Vaginal Rings
Intrauterine Device / Intrauterine System
Diaphragms, Sponges
Implantable Hormonal Contraception
Tubal Ligation
Male-Initiated Contraception
Condoms
Vasectomy
Couple-Initiated Contraception
Rhythm
Withdrawal
Despite this, 78% of men believe that men and women share equal responsibility for decisions about contraception, and 61% of men also believe that men and women have equal decision-making power when it comes to having sex.[1] This creates a disconnect between the expectation of equal decision-making, and who has the burden of responsibility in practice. For adolescent men, the only way to initiate contraception is through condom use.
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1. Grady WR, Tanfer K, Billy JOG, Lincoln-Hanson J. “Men’s perceptions of their roles and responsibilities regarding sex, contraception, and childrearing” Family Planning Perspectives, 28:221–226, 1996
