For decades, women have relied on various contraceptive methods such as pills, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and barrier methods to control their reproductive choices. These options have given women more autonomy over family planning. However, the physical and emotional burden of preventing pregnancy still largely falls on women.
What about men? Aside from condoms and vasectomies, male contraception options remain limited. Condoms, while common, have a higher failure rate with typical use. Vasectomies, on the other hand, are semi-permanent and often irreversible. Progress in developing new male contraceptives has been slow.
Creating a male equivalent of the female birth control pill is not straightforward. Female pills work by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or changing the uterine lining. A male pill would need to reduce sperm production or block sperm function without causing unwanted side effects like mood changes or lowered libido. Early hormonal male pills tried to modify testosterone to slow sperm production. But these attempts often caused serious side effects, such as liver toxicity.
Researchers are exploring several promising approaches, including hormonal, non-hormonal, and device-based methods. The ideal male contraceptive would be safe, reversible, easy to use, affordable, and effective.
One hormone-based method under development is the NES-T gel, which men apply to their shoulders. This gel suppresses sperm production while maintaining healthy testosterone levels, helping to avoid sexual side effects. NES-T is currently in advanced clinical trials and may reach the market within five to six years.
Non-hormonal methods also show potential. These options could have fewer side effects by targeting specific steps in sperm development or function. For example, YCT-529 is a drug that blocks vitamin A in the testes, reducing sperm production. Another pill under early testing slows sperm movement and prevents their maturation. This pill might appeal to men who have sex infrequently, as it does not require daily use. If these drugs pass safety tests, they could become available by 2031.
Medical devices offer a different approach. Known as vas-occlusive contraception, these devices block sperm from traveling through the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm. Unlike vasectomies, these devices are designed to be reversible. Two companies, Contraline and NEXT Life Sciences, are working on gels that block sperm transport. One product is already in early human trials, while another could gain approval as soon as 2026.
Despite progress, male contraceptives still face significant challenges. Men produce millions of sperm daily, so suppressing fertility requires continuous treatment. Unlike female contraception that works continuously, male methods must target specific sperm development stages. Safety is another key issue. Male contraceptives must meet strict FDA standards because they do not offer direct health benefits, unlike female contraceptives, which often come with accepted side effects due to the higher risks of pregnancy.
Stephanie Page, an endocrinologist at the University of Washington, points out that regulatory decisions should consider the couple’s risk, not just the man’s. Both partners share responsibility for preventing pregnancy and its consequences.
Funding remains a major hurdle. Pharmaceutical companies hesitate to invest due to perceived low demand. Recent cuts in federal funding have slowed research, leaving some projects incomplete. This threatens the pipeline for new male contraceptive options.
Cultural barriers also limit the adoption of male birth control. Many couples are not aware of existing or emerging options for men. Still, dissatisfaction with female contraceptives, often caused by side effects, is growing.
Experts believe changing how society views contraception is key. Logan Nickels, Chief Research Officer at the Male Contraceptive Initiative, stresses that male and female contraception should not be seen as separate issues. “Male contraception is women’s health,” he says.
Expanding male contraceptive options would not only prevent unintended pregnancies but also share the responsibility more fairly between partners.
To explore the latest science on male contraception, listen to episode #128 of the Raw Talk Podcast titled “Male Contraceptives: A Shared Responsibility.” The episode was produced by a dedicated team including hosts Braeden and Hannah, content creators Mariam and Kristina, audio engineer Angela, and executive producer Atefeh.
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