What you need to know
- Men have few options for reliable or reversible contraception. Promising research suggests that this may soon change.
- In July, a nonhormonal birth control pill that pauses sperm production passed its first safety trial in humans, raising hopes that the method may soon be available.
- Several nonhormonal and hormonal male contraceptives are in clinical trials and may transform birth control options over the next decade.
In July, a nonhormonal birth control pill passed its first human safety test. The news marked an important milestone in the decades-long hunt for a safe, effective, and reversible contraception for men. A 2023 study found that three-quarters of men ages 18 to 50 are willing to try novel birth control.
With the new pill now in the second stage of clinical trials, here’s a look at some of the other male birth control options on the horizon.
Overview of current and future male contraceptive options
**Percentages represent the methods’ real-world effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
Current options
Condoms
Condoms act as a barrier, blocking semen from entering the vagina and fertilizing eggs. The method is the most common form of male birth control, used by around 45 percent of unmarried, sexually active men. Although condoms are 98 percent effective with perfect use, in reality, they prevent pregnancy 87 percent of the time.
Vasectomy
Vasectomies are the only permanent form of male contraception currently available. The minor surgery involves blocking the vas deferens, a tube that carries sperm from the testicles. Around one in 10 adult men have had a vasectomy, and one in five reported considering the procedure.
Although the procedure is quick and low risk, it is generally irreversible, so some men do not pursue this option. In fact, over a quarter of men who have had vasectomies said they may not have had the procedure if they had access to effective, reversible birth control.
On the horizon
Nonhormonal
YCT-529
YCT-529 is an experimental pill that dramatically reduces sperm count. The drug blocks a critical step in sperm production, preventing up to 99 percent of pregnancies in animal studies. During animal testing, fertility returned to normal within weeks of stopping use, and no side effects were reported in mice or non-human primates.
Last year, a small trial showed that the YCT-529 pill is well tolerated in humans, meaning there were no signs of serious side effects. The results suggest that YCT-529 does not affect hormones, mood, or sex drive.
A Phase 2 clinical trial for the drug is underway to test its safety and effectiveness. If results are positive, YCT-529 may be available in the near future.
TDI-11861
Like YCT-529, TDI-11861 is a nonhormonal chemical that targets sperm. However, TDI-11861 is designed to be a short-acting, on-demand contraceptive pill taken before sex. The drug acts by temporarily disrupting sperm mobility, preventing fertilization.
In a 2023 trial, male mice who received the drug were unable to impregnate female mice. The effect wore off and sperm movement returned to normal within three hours.
TDI-11861 is still in the early stages of development. So far, TDI-11861 has only undergone animal testing, and no human trials have been announced. But researchers are hopeful that TDI-11861 or another drug using the same method may become a successful birth control option.
ADAM
ADAM is a long-lasting injectable, water-based gel that blocks the flow of sperm from the testicles, similar to a vasectomy. However, unlike a vasectomy, ADAM is fully reversible. ADAM’s developers say it is designed to last up to two years and can be removed at any time.
Early clinical trial results indicate that participants had a nearly 100 percent reduction in sperm counts within one month of treatment. Additionally, the treatment remained effective for up to 24 months, and no safety concerns were reported.
The ongoing Phase 1/2 trial testing for safety and efficacy is set to conclude by the end of the year. If approved, ADAM could be available as soon as 2027.
Plan A
Plan A uses a similar technology as ADAM. The nonhormonal water-based gel (called Vasalgel) blocks sperm flow in the vas deferens. Its developers hope it may last up to 10 years.
Plan A’s technology has been in development for decades. Earlier this year, the company confirmed that it completed two small human trials in Canada and Australia. Both trials reportedly had a “100 percent success rate” but its unclear if the success refers to decreased sperm count or prevention of pregnancies. Plan A’s results are promising but preliminary, and when it might be available is unclear.
CDD-2807
Another nonhormonal contraceptive in development is CDD-2807, a chemical compound that affects sperm movement and function, rendering recipients temporarily infertile.
Last year, researchers reported promising results from preliminary research in mice. After two months of daily CDD-2807 injections, mice were unable to produce offspring, with no apparent side effects. The effects reversed within one to two months of stopping the treatment.
Although CDD-2807 has only been tested as an injection in mice, researchers hope it will be developed as a daily pill for humans.
Hormonal
Nestorone/Testosterone Gel
NES/T is a combination of two hormones that is applied as a gel to the skin. Nestorone is a hormone that reduces sperm count, while testosterone helps maintain normal hormone levels and offsets the side effects of nestorone.
In late 2024, NES/T completed a Phase 2 trial in which the drug was found to be well tolerated, safe, and effective. The gel takes four to 12 weeks to reduce sperm count enough to prevent pregnancy, and 86 percent of the trial participants achieved this lowered sperm count.
Sperm counts reportedly return to normal within six months of stopping the treatment. The drug’s developers are planning for a Phase 3 trial, the final hurdle before it faces Food and Drug Administration approval.
Dimethandrolone Undecanoate
DMAU is a hormonal contraceptive pill being developed by the National Institutes of Health. The drug targets two hormones involved in the production of testosterone and sperm. DMAU is meant to be taken with supplemental testosterone to restore hormone levels and offset side effects. Additionally, the pill needs to be taken with a high-fat meal to increase absorption.
A 28-day trial showed DMAU to be safe, with side effects similar to other hormonal birth control, such as weight gain and reduced sex drive. Although the Phase 1 clinical trial ended in 2017, a Phase 2 trial has yet to advance. However, a trial for an injectable form of the drug is ongoing.
For more information about birth control options, talk to your health care provider.