Gizmodo has a post up about the latest attempt at a male contraceptive, a radio controlled implant that provides a kind of high-tech, reversible vasectomy:
Scientists in Australia are developing a radio-controlled contraceptive implant that would control the flow of a man's sperm at the flick of a switch. The valve would be "push-fit" inside the vas deferens (duct that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis) and could be opened or closed remotely depending on the baby making needs of the user.
Sounds promising, but of course the Gizmodo post and others are all whiny about all the potential dangers. To which Feministing rightly responds: "Welcome to our world."
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Put A remote controled device in my penis? Not gonna happen.
I don't say this out of some kind of hate for feminists, rather out love for my penis. It could be decades before we know what the long term effects of such a device could be.
I don't see how such a device could prevent the spread of STDs. One would still need a condom, if one were to have sex that wasn't monogamous. If pregnancy is the only concern, there is other, more practicle options.
You do know why men name their testicles don't you?.... They don't want a stranger making all their descissions for them.
mac at 9:04AM on Feb 5th 2008
2. I'm with Mac (#1). It sounds bizarre, not to mention potentially painful.
A routine vasectomy is still the way to go - if a man is certain he wants no (or no more) children. And condoms have been around for many generations - and they do work, despite what the fundamentalist crowd says.
David S. at 10:25AM on Feb 5th 2008
3. Vasectomy is currently the most effective option for men who are sure they don't want children, but it's no good for those who might want kids in the future. Condoms work--but only if they're used (and don't leak or break). Too many men won't use them because they "reduce sensation" or because stopping to put one on "kills the moment." This new idea might not ever replace condoms, but some men might appreciate having another option.
Chris at 10:41AM on Feb 5th 2008
4. Implanting a radio chip in one's body is an extremely bad idea. We should be more respectful of our bodies and try to consider that anything involving RF is radiation. Do you want to run the risk of tainting your body or potentially getting cancer? RFID chips have been implanted in animals for monitoring where pets go in Germany and the vast, vast majority of them develop tumors. Bad idea.
John at 10:57AM on Feb 5th 2008
5. Where can I get my ex fitted for one of these? And can I have the remote?
Jean E at 11:59AM on Nov 11th 2009
6. Ironic and interesting that it seems to be the feminists who cry 'tyranny' at every little thing that is designed for men yet they are so willing and eager to take up the role of tyrants when given the chance.
Until the philosophy matures intellectually from an 'us and them' perspective to a 'Were all in this together' I'm afraid that most people will see feminism for what 90% of it represents... Double-speak.
Efficax Medicus at 11:11AM on Feb 5th 2008
7. AAbstinence is 100% effective. If feminists are against THAT, then they're hipocrites. Welcome to our world? It's your CHOICE. Don't complain about something you CHOOSE to do.
Strados at 11:47AM on Feb 5th 2008
8. While I do not condone the use of "radio-controlled" anything in the human body, the concept of more options for male birth control is what interests me. It shouldn't solely be the responsibility of women, nor should it only be the risk of women's health. In saying that, I don't necessarily believe the feminist stance on this would be of the "tyrant". Perhaps its more of a reminder that not everything is so damn easy and Yes, if women can do it so can men. Not a jab, or tyrannic, just a reminder.
Shade at 12:49PM on Feb 5th 2008
9. I'm sure one day we'll read about men having some serious health issues because of stupid ideas like implanting a chip into your genital area. As far as you or any other feminist telling men "welcome to your world"..would that be the world that gives you a pill to take or a patch to wear to prevent pregnancy..or a pill to take to fix your mess~up from the night before..or the right to remove innocent life from your bodies because it wasn't convenient for you. Hmmmmmm It seems to me that us women have all sorts of options when it comes to preventing unwanted children. What do men have? 2?See that's the thing with feminist nazi terrorists. They care about what works for them in the world and expect that years of study and money should be spent on giving them better options in all areas of life and for everybody who has a penis we'll just toss them a bone now and again to keep them happy and quiet.
For the men out there..
1. Stay far away from feminists because they really do hate you deep down..And yes they do want to give you radiation burns in your happy places.
2.A vasectomy is the sure way to go if you are sure you don't want children. It's a pretty easy procedure and after a month or so you're good to go as far as swimmers are concerned..
3. It's also preventing your nonfeminist significant other from having to go through a more serious invasive surgery..so a week later when you have the nerve (yes the nerve..because it will still work fine but men always seem to go through an understandable fear phase right after) again to use your friend to please your woman..she is going to have that selfless act on her mind and you just scored some head :)
Unless she's a feminist
Natalie at 1:05PM on Feb 5th 2008
10. Natalie, did you just fall off the crazy wagon??
"Hmmmmmm It seems to me that us women have all sorts of options when it comes to preventing unwanted children. What do men have? 2?See that's the thing with feminist nazi terrorists. They care about what works for them in the world and expect that years of study and money should be spent on giving them better options in all areas of life and for everybody who has a penis we'll just toss them a bone now and again to keep them happy and quiet."
It has always been the responsibility of the woman. We're the ones that get stuck with the consequences, and get persecuted by people like you for the decision we make. Men have condoms and vasectomies. Now they come up with another possible option and go off on some feminist-hating rant about how all the options are for women. You must be one of those barefoot and pregnant, women belong in the home and under control of their husbands woman-haters. Why SHOULDN'T money go towards making women's sexual health as safe and reliable as possible? Women who have had children use birth control too you know!
K at 1:41PM on Feb 5th 2008
11. Curious.We are advancing.
Comming up;Stop teenage pegnancy with....
MINDER.
The once a day pill that makes your teen feel repulsed at the thought of sex.
Ha Ha.Just kidding.Science is great!
aniekan thomas at 3:48PM on Feb 5th 2008
12. Interesting.... so men don't have to deal with the consequences? So when a former fiance of mind decided she wanted to abort the baby rather than let me raise the child as a single father I had a choice? Really? Please tell the courts that.
Please tell me how it's 'women that are always the victim' but how they have more health choices than men do?
Please tell me for example where I can by the purple ribbon to fight prostate cancer?
Where can I go to a 'Men's Hospital' in my city?
Please tell me where the 'Mens fitness center' is?
Apparently it's legal to have a 'ladies only' fitness center but not a mens only. At least that's how it is in my state.
Please tell me how a man can be forced to pay for a child that isn't even his because the courts found that a mistake was made 12 years ago but now it's 'in the best interest of all parties.'
Yep... Us men sure have it easy.
Efficax Medicus at 3:11PM on Feb 8th 2008
13. Efficax Medicus
You should have kept it in your pants and they never would have thought the child was yours in the first place. And just as soon as you start popping babies out your penis your can have your own birthing center, because that is the only women’s hospitals I know of. Same goes with your ex. If you would have kept it in your pants or covered it and not relied on her for birth control you would not have ever been in that situation. AND as soon as you start popping babies out your penis you can make a choice about to have or to have not. Take some responsibility for your actions and next time wraps your dick. Or just blame your negligence on everyone else, most notably a female.
Gwen at 5:01PM on Mar 6th 2008
14. Efficax Medicus
And don't go making some argument that I am standing up for the female. It takes two which I am sure you know. Both parties are equally responsible.
Gwen at 3:06PM on Mar 6th 2008