Advancements in contraceptive health are continuously being made to provide effective and user-friendly birth control options. One of the most intriguing developments in recent years is the emergence of male birth control gels.

This developing form of contraception could significantly change the stigma surrounding birth control and how we view male responsibility in reproductive health. Here, we explore this emerging and innovative male birth control gel, outlining its development, benefits, and utility relative to other contraceptive options.

How Does Male Birth Control Gel Work?

In theory, a male birth control gel would work by either:

• Altering specific hormones to decrease sperm production.
• Acting as a physical barrier inside the vas deferens, preventing sperm flow.

As of now, no approved male birth control gels are available for purchase in the UK or the United States, but several gels are in various stages of clinical development. Some of the most notable contenders include:

NES/T (Nestorone/Testosterone Gel)
Developed by the NICHD and Population Council, NES/T is a hormonal contraceptive gel currently in clinical trials. Applied daily to the shoulders and upper arms, it combines nestorone (to suppress sperm production) and testosterone (to maintain normal hormone levels).

Clinical trials using this gel have shown promising results, with one study concluding that daily application of NES/T over at least 20 weeks suppressed sperm concentration in 88.5% of men.

ADAM
ADAM is a male contraceptive method currently being developed by Contraline. Unlike NES/T, ADAM is a hydrogel implant injected into the vas deferens, blocking sperm from leaving the body. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure would offer a long-lasting (up to two years), reversible, and non-hormonal birth control option for men. ADAM is currently in the middle of a 3-year clinical trial expected to end in June 2025.

Plan A
Similar to ADAM, the Plan A male birth control procedure involves injecting a hydrogel into the vas deferens to prevent sperm flow in semen. The proprietary hydrogel – called Vasagel® – acts as a flexible filter and could last for over ten years.

Created by NEXT Life Sciences and currently in preclinical development, this male birth control is designed to be long-lasting but reversible at any time. Clinical trials are expected to begin in late 2024, and if successful, Plan A could be available to the public by 2026.

The Benefits of Male Birth Control Gels

Male birth control gels offer a proactive approach to contraception for men, providing a range of benefits, including:

Shared Reproductive Responsibilities
One of the most significant benefits of a male birth control gel is its ability to equalise reproductive responsibility. By providing a reliable and reversible contraceptive method, it empowers men to actively participate in family planning decisions, rather than leaving the responsibility of contraception solely to the woman.

Reduced Number of Unplanned Pregnancies
With more contraceptive options available, access to effective birth control increases, potentially leading to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies. A decrease in unplanned pregnancies could have significant social and economic benefits, including improved maternal health and increased financial stability.

Understanding Your Options

While male birth control gels offer a reversible solution, vasectomies remain a popular choice for permanent male contraception. The vasectomy procedure involves surgically severing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the seminal fluid. After the procedure, it is essential to confirm that your semen is sperm-free to ensure its effectiveness.

In addition to vasectomies and male birth control gels, some other contraceptive options couples frequently use include:

• Condoms: Condoms are easily accessible and offer dual protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Birth Control Pills: Used by women, birth control pills regulate specific hormones to prevent ovulation. These pills are highly effective when taken correctly.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): These devices are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They come in both hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) forms and can last for several years.

Each of the above birth control methods has its own effectiveness rates, usage requirements, and potential side effects, highlighting the need for continued advancements and new options in contraception. The male birth control gels being developed today could provide a valuable alternative for couples in the future!