Does Male Birth Control Exist?

Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team

Much has been said about the existence of female hormonal contraceptives. Although the pill and other hormonal birth control products have been available in the U.S. for more than fifty years, the pill is still met with much controversy and is still the subject of political debates.

Women take the pill for many different reasons besides preventing pregnancy. The pill offers a host of various health benefits and can help women regulate their hormones. But with any medication, there are side effects. For some women, they may not be able to use hormonal birth control, or they are personally averse to introducing synthetic hormones into their bodies. Since it takes two to tango, how can women’s male sexual partners prevent an unwanted pregnancy, without requiring women to re-engineer their reproductive cycles completely?

Does male birth control exist?

Until very recently, the only types of male birth control in existence that were entirely within the control of the man were barrier methods and some natural methods, which include the following:

• Male condoms
• Vasectomies
• The withdrawal method

Male condoms and vasectomies are incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy. The vasectomy is also much less invasive than the female equivalent tubal ligation. It is also much cheaper than a tubal ligation. While the withdrawal method is effective with perfect use, human beings are imperfect. With typical use, the withdrawal method is about 78% effective, while male condoms with regular use are 85% effective. Vasectomies are 99% effective at preventing unintended pregnancy.

What hormonal contraceptives for men have been invented?

It is much easier, scientifically speaking, to prevent one egg from being released than it is to suppress millions of sperm from being made every single day. While a woman is only fertile for a few days every month for a set number of years, a man is fertile every day for the rest of his life after reaching puberty. For men who do not wish to father children, it’s crucial that they have access to highly effective birth control methods that fit with their lifestyle, needs, and that they control.

In the 1970s, scientists first began experimenting with a male hormonal contraceptive. The experiments used synthetic testosterone alone and also in combination with a synthetic progesterone hormone, called progestin, to suppress the production of both testosterone and sperm in an injection. Experiments using testosterone only methods were extremely effective in reducing sperm counts, and also had little side effects. Adding progestin, however, was more effective at reducing spermatogenesis, but it came with many side effects, including acne, pain at the injection site, and mood changes such as depression.

Current advances in the male hormonal contraceptive include long-acting birth control injections and transdermal gels. Surveys conducted on men’s’ willingness to use hormonal contraceptives show that up to 50% of all men would use a male hormonal contraceptive. What’s preventing the male “pill” from becoming a reality is that current male hormonal contraceptives are not completely effective, reversible, safe, affordable, or readily available. Researchers are currently working on developing a birth control shot for men that limits severe side effects and can be mass produced at affordable rates.

What are the recent developments on the male birth control shot?

The men were given the two injections every eight weeks, for a total of 26 weeks. The shot decreased sperm count. At the end of the study, 96% of the men were able to prevent pregnancy, and the study resulted in only four unintended pregnancies.

However, the study was discontinued because the male participants were concerned about the side effects, which included acne, pain, mood swings, and depression. It is important to note that these side effects are incredibly similar to what women experience around the time of menstruation; however, the side effects from the male hormonal contraceptives were severe enough that one participant attempted suicide. After the study concluded, normal sperm counts and fertility returned to the participants.

What can men and women do to prevent an unintended pregnancy while waiting for a viable male hormonal contraceptive to hit the market?

Until a safer male birth control shot becomes available, the most effective contraceptive methods are female hormonal contraceptives. Although the female pill, shot, patch, IUD, and injectable are incredibly effective at preventing fertilization, these methods do not protect against STIs and other infectious diseases. The male condom, when used correctly, is still effective at preventing pregnancy and also protects both male and female partners from STIs.

For men who are positive that they do not want children, vasectomies are 99% effective and irreversible. Vasectomies are often covered under insurance, and also less invasive than a female tubal ligation, although a vasectomy is still considered a surgical procedure.

Fortunately, female sexual partners still have a lot of choices when it comes to using a safe, hormonal contraceptive method. While hormonal birth control does come with side effects, there are numerous different products that a woman can try to find one that works for her needs. If you’re curious about finding a hormonal contraceptive that fits with your lifestyle and healthcare needs, sign up with Pandia Health today.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.