This is a constant debate: should the government be able to control prescriptions related to a person’s sex life? Many people say no, the government should not have anything to do with your sex life. But others argue that there are risks in taking certain medications and that the government should be allowed to restrict it.

In 1952, the first birth control pill was created by scientist Carl Djerassi, but it was not approved by the FDA until 1957. At first, the pill was only supposed to be used for women who had severe menstrual disorders. Three years later, the pill was approved to be used as a contraceptive.

In 1989, Viagra was created by scientist Peter Dunn and was sold as a heart medication, but males across the country were experiencing different side effects to the drug. After it was approved by the Federal Drug Association, pharmacists prescribed Viagra to more that 40,000 men in the United States alone. In 1998, it was only legal to sell in the United States, Brazil, Morocco and Mexico, but the rumor was that it was being sold through the black market to other countries as well.

“Those are two very powerful drugs. I think that to some point, the government should be able to control them from certain people or age groups. But on the other hand, I don’t think that they should be able to control them. If someone chooses to take a prescription related to their sex life, that is their business. The government should not get involved,” said a pharmacist at the Walgreens located in Antioch, who wished to remain annonymus.

In the future, the government is planning rules for over the counter drugs: education, monitoring, proper disposal and enforcement. This means that they are planning to properly educate patients on the drugs. A new system is possibly being developed where researchers can track data from across the country and with healthcare providers.

“I don’t believe hormonal birth control influences a person’s sex lifebirth control is prescribed for many reasons, one of which includes the prevention of pregnancy. The use of these drugs should not influence the choice to be sexually active. Instead, that choice needs to be determined by the individuals values and needs,” health teacher Robert Hafer said. “If two people made the collaborative decision to be sexually active, they have to realize birth control does fail. As a result, they need to be conscious of the consequences of that choice.”

The government is seemingly more interested in birth control as a result of the higher percentage of pregnancies, particularly in teens.

“With all that being said, with the governments ability to control pricing and availability of both Viagra and the numerous birth control options, I believe they should control the use of birth control. Why? I believe the government should make birth control as inexpensive and easy accessible as possible,” said Hafer.

According to Hafer, research shows that there were 26.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19. Eighty-nine percent of these pregnancies were unplanned.

“With access and the availability to use birth control, these births could be prevented. Why prevent these births? Teen births generally reduce the quality of life for both the mother, father and child,” said Hafer.

As a whole, sexuality and uses of contraceptives are incredibly personal. Hafer believes that conversations with doctors, parents and other support systems should be held before making any kind of decision.

“There are many other significant consequences to sex than just pregnancy. The person should be evaluated for any communicable infection they could potentially transmit to their partner,” said Hafer. “Viagra should also be accessible for those who are in need. This should be discussed with a doctor, as there are frequently underlying medical conditions which cause ED (erectile dysfunction).”