Female contraceptive pills have been available to the public since the 1960s, so why is the male equivalent still being developed? In this article, we'll explore this question, discussing the latest advancements in contraceptive science, and what a male contraceptive pill might look like.

What is it?

The male contraceptive pill, also known as a male birth control pill, is a form of contraception that, for the first time, will provide men with an effective pharmaceutical birth control option.

Currently, there are only two contraceptive options available to men: condoms and vasectomy. The introduction of the pill for men could help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. It would also push men to adopt greater responsibility when it comes to birth control, and relieve some of the burden from their female partners. 

When will it be available?

While male contraceptive pills are still in the research and development phase, progress in this field is promising. Successful tests having taken place on both mouse and human sperm. Once approved, the pills will provide men and their sexual partners with an additional contraceptive option.

It's important to note that the development of the pill may still take time as further research, testing, and clinical trials are required before it can be publicly released.

At the start of 2023, researchers at Washington State University suggested a male contraceptive pill might be available to the public in five years time, although further delays are always a possibility.

In February 2023, Jochen Buck and the Weill Cornell Medicine research team (whose clinical study successfully inhibited sperm motility in mice earlier this year) have suggested it will take at least 8 years until the pill reaches our shelves, despite their progress.

So as it stands, a timeframe is difficult to establish, but progress is definitely (and finally!) being made.

So, what's the hold up?

The female contraceptive pill was first approved for use in the 1960s, so why is the male equivalent lagging so many decades behind? 

Development and Approval - The development of the male contraceptive pill is a long, drawn out one that involves rigorous testing, preclinical studies, and human trials. In order to be approved by the regulatory authorities for public use, the pills must demonstrate safety, efficacy, and reliability.

Biological differences - Men produce millions of sperm every day. Researchers have claimed it is easier to block a single egg cells than millions of sperm, rendering a male contraceptive pill more challenging to develop.

Lack of funding - Due to number of contraceptive methods already available, there is a perceived lack of demand among the pharmaceutical industry for a specifically male contraceptive pill. As a result, its development has been underfunded. 

Side effects - In 2016, one promising clinical trial which used hormonal injection to lower sperm count was abandoned due to side effects like acne, mood swings, drop in libido and weight gain. Ironically, these are just some of the most common side effects that come with the female contraceptive pill.

Various surveys, such as this one conducted by the Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) showed that around 80% of 17 million men might be willing to try male contraception, with half "very likely" to give it a crack regardless of potential side effects.

How does the male contraceptive pill work?

The male contraceptive pill works by targeting the reproductive system to temporarily make sperm infertile. There are a few different approaches being developed, with two options being the current frontrunners:

The hormonal approach

‍The hormonal approach involves the use of synthetic hormones, similar to those used in female contraceptive pills, to disrupt the hormonal balance needed for sperm production. These hormones typically include a combination of testosterone and progestin.

Testosterone - Testosterone, a male sex hormone, is included in the male contraceptive pill to maintain normal male characteristics and overall well-being. It ensures that testosterone levels in the body remain within a healthy range.

Progestin - Progestin, a synthetic hormone similar to the female hormone progesterone, blocks the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. This suppression blocks the hormonal signals needed for sperm maturation and release.

By combining these two hormones, this pill should be able to effectively reduce sperm production while preserving normal hormone levels and other male reproductive functions.

The non-hormonal approach

These methods aim to target specific proteins or enzymes involved in sperm function without altering hormone levels. By targeting these proteins, sperm can become temporarily unable to fertilise an egg.

One example is targeting the enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) that plays a role in sperm motility. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent sperm from swimming effectively, reducing their chances of reaching and fertilising an egg. 

Just like female birth control pill, the male pill would be an oral contraceptive, delivered into the body through the mouth. 

Speak to your doctor if you have any questions at all about the pill or indeed any other forms of contraception, or if you're a Fertifa patient, feel free to book a call with your advisor who will always be happy to help 💜