Advancements in contraceptive health are constantly 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 dramatically change the stigma surrounding birth control and how we view male responsibility in reproductive health. Here, we will explore this emerging and innovative male birth control gel and explain 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 today, no approved male birth control gels are available for purchase in the United States, but there are multiple gels 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 shoulders and upper arms, it combines nestorone (to suppress sperm production) and testosterone (to maintain normal hormone levels).
Clinical trials utilizing this gel have offered 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 exiting 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
Like ADAM, the Plan A male birth control procedure involves injecting a hydrogel into the vas deferens to prevent the flow of sperm in semen. The proprietary hydrogel – coined 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 equalize reproductive responsibility. By providing a reliable and reversible contraceptive method, it empowers men to actively participate in family planning decisions rather than leaving the choice to utilize contraceptives entirely up 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 reduction in unplanned pregnancies could have profound social and economic benefits, including better 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’s critical to confirm your semen is sperm-free to ensure its effectiveness.
Aside from vasectomies and male birth control gels, some additional contraceptive options couples often utilize include:
- Condoms: Condoms are easily accessible and offer dual protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Birth Control Pills: Utilized 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 hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) forms and can last for several years.
The above birth control methods each have their own effectiveness rates, usage requirements, and side effects, underscoring the need for continued advancements and new options in the contraceptive space. The male birth control gels being developed today could provide a valuable alternative for the couples of tomorrow!
Want to make sure your vasectomy is still doing its job?
An at-home sperm test from SpermCheck can help you make sure your vasectomy worked (and keeps working). Order your SpermCheck Vasectomy test today.
