An article in the New York Times, "Scientific Advances on Contraceptives for Men," reports on new research for a male contraceptive. The hunt has been on for this for decades but with little success; previous attempts impacted on mens’ libido or sperm levels. But now scientists think they are on to something: drugs that prevent sperm from maturing or that prevent sperm from moving.

This got me to thinking, would I trust a man to prevent me from getting pregnant? My immediate response, from deep in my gut, was “no way, no how!” But perhaps that was just the 18-year-old in me. Wouldn’t I trust my beloved husband who would suffer or celebrate just as much as I would if I were to get pregnant? (And please remember that this is a theoretical discussion for me – I’m 53 after all!).

How much is my “no way, no how” response influenced by the reality that it’s mostly the woman who is left holding the proverbial baby? A man can always leave but the woman has to carry on with her expanding belly and then the baby….

An informal survey of 4 twenty-somethings produced some interesting results. Three young women mentioned that condoms still need to be used for prevention of STIs so what’s the big deal. Two of them are in long term loving relationships and they said they would trust their partners. The one male I asked said he and his friends would love to be able to have the security of knowing that they were in control of something that traditionally they have left to women, at times to their detriment if the woman wanted to get pregnant or if the condom broke.

So – where do you stand on this? Is this a medical breakthrough that will change your life, or relationship? Would YOU trust a man to prevent pregnancy? I’m waiting to hear your voices…..