Male contraception - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Male contraception refers to methods used by people who produce sperm to prevent pregnancy, currently condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy, with hormonal and non-hormonal options in research.
At a glance
- Current options for people who produce sperm are condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal methods are being researched.
- Options in testing include a hormonal skin gel, daily pills and devices that block sperm tubes.
- None of the newer methods is widely licensed yet, and timelines are uncertain.
- Shared responsibility can include sharing the cost and planning of a partner's method.
In detail
For decades the choice has been limited compared with methods for people with a uterus. Researchers, including teams funded by the US National Institutes of Health, are testing options such as a hormonal gel applied to the skin, daily pills and devices that block the tubes carrying sperm.
None of the newer methods is widely licensed yet, and timelines are uncertain. Until then, shared responsibility can mean anything from using condoms to sharing the cost and planning of a partner's method.
In a sentence
- We read an article about male contraception trials and wondered when they'll be available.
- He said male contraception should get more research funding.
Common questions
Is there a male birth control pill?
Not widely licensed yet. Daily pills and a hormonal gel are among the options being tested, but timelines are uncertain.
What can men do now to share contraceptive responsibility?
Options include using condoms, considering a vasectomy for permanent contraception, and sharing the cost, planning and conversations around a partner's method.
Related terms
Sources
- NICHD (NIH)Contraception and Birth Control