Male Contraception Research

Male contraception (birth control) keeps sperm from coming into contact with an egg to avoid pregnancy. Two approaches are currently available:

• Block the sperm from entering the vagina by using a condom.
• Keep the sperm from coming out of the penis through vasectomy or sterilization.

Surveys indicate that men and their partners are very interested in more effective, reversible and safe male contraceptive methods.

Male Contraception Types

Current male contraception research examines how hormones – injected, implanted or taken by mouth – could stop or slow sperm production to create a low sperm count. This could be reversed when the male stops using the contraceptive.

No hormonal male contraception products currently exist. Four types being studied are:

• Testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that controls sperm development. Increasing testosterone slows sperm production by suppressing LH and FSH, hormones released by the pituitary gland that are required for normal sperm production.
• Androgen-progestin combination. Androgen, a male sex hormone, suppresses the pituitary gland’s release of LH and FSH. This indirectly increases testosterone levels to slow sperm production.
• Testosterone-GnRH combination. GnRH also suppresses pituitary hormones and reduces sperm count.
• Selective androgen and progestin receptor modulators. These methods slow sperm production by changing the shape of the molecular receptors that bind androgen and progestin, preventing male reproductive cells from correctly producing sperm.

Currently, most female hormonal contraceptives are taken by mouth. The majority of hormonal birth control options being researched for men are injections.

How Advanced Is the Research?

According to a 2019 study, research progress in the last decade has been slow “and commercialization is not on the horizon.” Another 2019 study points out that even though the hormonal approach has been shown to provide effective and reversible male contraception, no products are yet on the market, possibly due to unknown side effects and long-term risks.

A variety of new molecules are under development as oral or transdermal (through the skin) hormonal contraceptives for men. In addition to previously studied injectable methods, trials of a testosterone-progestogen gel are under way. Other early clinical trials involve long-acting steroids with both androgenic and progestogenic activity. Non-hormonal approaches remain in preclinical testing.

Does It Protect Against STIs?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. STI risk varies depending on how you choose to protect yourself and your partner during sexual or intimate activities.

Male contraception does not protect against STIs.

Does It Protect Against Pregnancy?

Since all hormonal male birth control methods are currently in the testing phase, there is no comprehensive data on how well they work.

However, in one androgen-only study, only four out of 300 males, or 1.3 percent, had enough viable sperm to achieve pregnancy while using male birth control.

Last reviewed: October 2019