There is much to know when it comes to the male contraceptives of today, and tomorrow.
Understanding the methods existing today, as well as the factors influencing the male birth control methods of the future, is critical to achieving reproductive autonomy for all. We provide links to primers that help explain the products of today and tomorrow that will help define the next generation of male contraception.
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Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Contraception
Male Contraceptive Initiative provides funding and advocacy support for the development of non-hormonal, reversible forms of male contraception. But what does “non-hormonal” mean? How do these methods differ from “hormonal” contraceptives? This primer provides information on the differences between the two. |
Nuts & Bolts: Hormonal vs. Non-hormonal Contraception
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Existing Methods of Male Contraception
Though they are extremely limited, it's crucial that everyone understand how the available methods of male contraception work, as they are all we have to rely upon while the next generation of contraceptives are developed. This primer provides an overview explaining the existing methods of male (or sperm-targeting) contraception. |
Nuts & Bolts: Existing Methods of Male Contraception
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Condoms
A condom is a barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are currently the only non-hormonal, reversible method of male birth control. Learn more about this method in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Condoms
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Vasectomy
The most popular (and only) form of long-acting male contraception is a vasectomy. It involves cutting the vas deferens, the long tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation. Learn more about this birth control method in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Vasectomy
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The “Male Pill”
You already know what “The Pill” looks like, but what about “The Male Pill?” This primer explores what the next male contraceptive could exist as. |
Nuts & Bolts: The "Male Pill"
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10 Facts about Male Contraception
Male contraception is coming, and is going to change the world. This primer provides 10 facts you may not have known about the most exciting part of the future of contraception. |
Nuts & Bolts: 10 Facts About Male Contraception
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10 Facts about Men and Vasectomy
Vasectomy and condoms are the only current options for male contraception. The most popular form of long-acting male contraception is a vasectomy. Learn more about this method in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: 10 Facts About Vasectomy
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Reproductive Aging
The growth and development that people experience throughout their lifetime are accompanied by changes in their reproductive system. A person’s reproductive capacity differs between varying life stages. Learn more about reproductive aging in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Reproductive Aging
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Contraceptive Gels
Spermicide is a method of hormone-free contraception that works by preventing sperm cells from fertilizing an egg. Spermicides are on-demand methods that come in many different forms including creams, gels, films, and suppositories. Learn more about contraceptive gels in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Contraceptive Gels
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LARCs
LARC stands for “Long-acting reversible contraceptives”. These are methods of birth control that provide contraception over an extended period without the user having to do anything. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and subdermal contraceptive implants, and are the most effective reversible methods of contraception largely due to the fact that their effectiveness is not reliant on patient compliance. Learn more about these methods in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: LARCs
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Contraceptive Implants
An implant is a long-term contraceptive option that releases hormones to protect users from pregnancies. The birth control implant is a small rod, about the size of a matchstick, that is inserted into the upper arm by a healthcare provider. After insertion, the implant will release therapeutics that inhibit pregnancies. Learn more about this method in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Implants
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Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs)
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies or MPTs are products created to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In order for a product to be labeled as an MPT, it must protect the user from at least two of the following reproductive health risks: HIV, STI transmission, and unintended pregnancy. Learn more about these technologies in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs)
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Injectables
A contraceptive injection is a long-acting hormonal method that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. The injection contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body by the ovaries. The contraceptive injection is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when re-administered after the effects wear off. Learn more about this contraceptive method in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Injectables
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Pills
There are two types of birth control pills, combination pills, and progestin-only pills. Both forms of the pill contain hormones that regulate ovulation to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently each day and the contraceptive effect is immediately reversible when users stop taking the pill. Learn more about these contraceptives in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Pills
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Male Thermal Contraceptive Methods (MTCs)
Male thermal contraceptive methods (MTCs) involve heating the testicles so that sperm production is slowed down. MTCs alter the thermoregulatory function of the scrotum in order to induce temporary infertility in men via a number of different methods. Learn more about this approach to male birth control in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Male Thermal Contraceptive Methods (MTCs)
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Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An Intrauterine Device, or IUD is a long-term contraceptive option placed within the uterus through the vagina by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It is a T-shaped, plastic device with one or two strings hanging from it that reach through the cervix into the vagina. Learn more about this female birth control method and how it relates to male contraception in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
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Contraceptive Patches
The contraceptive patch is a small, flexible, adhesive patch worn on the body for 3 weeks, and is removed for the fourth week to allow for menstruation. The patch continually releases the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy. Learn more about this female birth control method and how it relates to male contraception in this primer. |
Nuts & Bolts: Contraceptive Patches
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Diaphragms
The diaphragm is a barrier contraceptive device that covers the cervix to block sperm from entering. It is non-hormonal and does not cause any side effects. To ensure proper efficacy, users should undergo a pelvic exam to receive a proper fitting diaphragm for their cervix. Learn more about this female birth control method and how it relates to male contraception in this primer. |
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Female Condoms
Female condoms are linings made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film that fit loosely inside the vagina. They are often made out of latex, polyurethane, or nitrile. They act as a barrier to block semen and other bodily fluids from entering the cervix. Learn more about this female birth control method and how it relates to male contraception in this primer. |
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Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that provides permanent protection from pregnancy through blocking the fallopian tubes. Once blocked, eggs are unable to travel from the ovaries to meet sperm. Learn more about this female birth control method and how it relates to male contraception in this primer. |
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