SELF – A Male Birth Control Shot Works But Won’t Be Available Any Time Soon

Male birth control just might be on the horizon, but not until some serious mental health side effects are hammered out. A new birth control shot for men has been found to be effective at preventing pregnancy, but not without some serious side effects, including depression. I was pleased to weigh in on this piece for SELF.

Throw potential side effects into the mix, and it can be a hard sell to get men to take something like this. Licensed clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D., tells SELF that hormones can have powerful effects on mood, and mood issues can be a problem when hormones are introduced to a person’s body. “We are still learning about the complex relationships between hormones and mood, and studies like this can offer new clues to these interactions,” she says.

 

Depression is one particular side effect drawing a lot of concern. “Depression can affect almost every area of your life in terms of dampening motivation, impeding concentration, and increasing emotional sensitivity,” she says. “Strong relationships depend on healthy intimacy and connection, all of which can be eroded by a depressed mood.”