The HPV vaccination is currently being implemented towards women ONLY. From my understanding, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is typically contracted via sexual intercourse. (Although it is likely to be transmitted within dyads of the same sex). Within heterosexual dyads, both men and women have equal probability of contracting HPV from one another. Similar to pregnancy, both males and females play a vital, and equal role; the egg and sperm needed for conception. It is evident, that men are just as likely as women to contract the HPV virus; yet in reference to the HPV vaccine women are being oppressed and men are being empowered. On the topic of HPV, why are men not being vaccinated, when obviously men partake in transmitting/contracting HPV as well? This is consistent with the cultural assumption that women will take birth control to prevnt pregnancy. Why is the only contraceptive available for men the condom? This in my opinion further empowers males.
There are two ways to view Gardasil and its implementation towards women. You could misconceive it as a miracle that has been developed to “prevent” cervical cancer, or, you could view it from my perspective; indirectly oppressing and targeting women as the “carrier” of HPV. It unintentionally conveys the message that women spread HPV while men do not. Apparently, an HPV vaccine for men is currently being tested and will be brought to the market as soon as it is ready. But, is this really going to happen? Male birth control is STILL in the process of being developed, while women have been utilizing it for half a decade already.
Presently, birth control (the pill) is an extremely popular contraceptive utilized by women. Besides unwanted pregnancies, it encompasses various benefits, such as menstrual cycle regulation, acne reduction as well as a decrease in menstrual pains (ie: backache, cramps etc.). However, birth control encompasses consequences, which in my opinion outweigh the benefits. Contrary to the HPV vaccine, the pill is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (primarily during its early stage). Moreover, the pill is associated with a slight increased risk in breast cancer as well. However, the Canadian Cancer Society noticeably states the links between the pill and cancer “so women can make an informed decision about their own health”, which HPV vaccination programs fail to address. As mentioned previously, male birth control is currently in the process of being developed; however, it is extremely “complicated” because men have the ability to fertilize (due to sperm production) 24/7 whereas women ovulate for 48 hours per month, which is much easier to regulate through the menstrual cycle. Although a male version of “the pill” is a very innovative idea, researchers wonder if men will actually utilize it due to its side effects (lack of libido, mood swings, weight gain etc. are associated with male birth control). What I find oppressive about this matter, is that these side effects are associated with the current birth control available for women.
Women are taking action and risking their bodies in order to prevent STI’s and unwanted pregnancies. They are ingesting or injecting hormones, and injecting HPV vaccines. How are men preventing these issues? I guess one could admit that condoms are mainly targeted towards men, even though female condoms do exist. However, as opposed to oppressing men, the condom gives men the power to choose to expose themselves to disease and/or impregnate a woman. The condom has none of the physical side effects associated with the pill and HPV. As far as I can tell in reference to birth control, and HPV the onus is on women to deal with all of the negative repercussions of their participatory role in sexual intercourse.
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1 comment:
hasn't it been almost half a century since the birth control pill was invented for women? (instead of decade)
great post otherwise!
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