Male Contraceptives

A non-hormonal, reversible and safe male pill may be in sight, as scientists successfully silence a protein crucial in fertile sperm production. Knocking out this protein temporarily resulted in unviable sperm, without any lasting impacts on fertility.

Researchers have discovered a gene in the testicular tissue in multiple mammals, including humans. Disabling it changed the shape and function of sperm and could lead to an oral contraceptive for men that would only work while it is administered.

Male contraceptives have traditionally been limited to condoms and vasectomies. Now scientists have demonstrated a promising new method that takes the form of a pill that can be taken just before sex, greatly reducing fertility for 24 hours.

Researchers have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill that disrupts a protein involved in sperm formation. Tests in mice have so far been promising, showing effective prevention of pregnancy, reversibility within weeks, and no side effects.

A new breakthrough could lead to a safe, effective and reversible male contraceptive pill, as a compound from traditional Chinese medicine has been shown in tests to render mice and monkeys temporarily infertile.

Researchers at Yale University have identified a key molecule that helps activate sperm and guide them to the egg. This could make it a target for both infertility treatments and new contraceptive methods.

For decades male contraception has been limited to condoms or vasectomies, but there aren’t really any options between those two extremes. In the hunt for a useful middle-ground, a new method has been developed that so far seems to be relatively long-lasting, effective and reversible.

A Phase 2 trial into the efficacy of a male contraceptive gel is about to get underway bringing modern medicine closer than it ever has before to finally developing a male birth control drug, decades after the female contraceptive pill hit the market.

Men have limited options for birth control. Now, researchers have developed a new compound that slows down sperm to the point where they can no longer swim, potentially paving the way for a male contraceptive that doesn’t affect natural hormones and is reversible.

​The race is on to develop a male contraceptive drug similar to that of the female birth control pill.​ The results from a Phase 1 study into the safety and efficacy of a new male birth control pill are promising, revealing the prospective drug to be safe and effective.​

Finding a male contraceptive compound that is safe, effective and reversible has been relatively elusive for scientists, but a new study has revealed that the secret to a male birth control pill may lie in a plant extract that has ancient African origins.

Men don’t really have a long-lasting, reversible and convenient contraception option yet, but a new method called Vasalgel could fit the bill. Tests on rhesus monkeys have now shown that it can effectively prevent pregnancy for over a year.