We're here to answer all of our pressing questions about male contraception research and development, as well as our efforts to make new methods of male birth control a reality.
There is a great deal to understand when it comes to the development of the next generation of male contraceptives, from the types of products in development to why it has taken so long to get new methods to market and beyond. We endeavor to pre-empt and answer as many questions as possible on this page, and encourage you to reach out to us if there's anything more you want to know.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
About us
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose objective is to advocate for and promote the development of reversible non-hormonal male contraception. MCI was founded in 2014 by a group of interested individuals who saw a philanthropic model as an innovative method to promote the development of male contraceptives. Since then, we have grown in scope and capacity, funding over $5M in research activities since our inception. Our Executive Board comprises experts in medicine, research, contraceptive development, and marketing, and we retain key advisors and stakeholders in the contraceptive research space.
MCI’s vision is “Reproductive Autonomy for All” and our mission is “To empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.”
We fund scientific studies, support early-stage researchers, and engage with the public on why male contraception will yield an advanced and as yet, unimagined modern landscape that:
We are funded through private donations from people like you. Join us on our journey to make “Reproductive Autonomy for All” a reality!
MCI’s vision is “Reproductive Autonomy for All” and our mission is “To empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.”
We fund scientific studies, support early-stage researchers, and engage with the public on why male contraception will yield an advanced and as yet, unimagined modern landscape that:
- Provides men with an option that is safe and reversible;
- Increases access and contraceptive choices for all;
- Enables informed choice about family growth and planning;
- Offers a complete menu of options for contraception;
- Fosters shared responsibility between spouses and partners;
- Reduces stress on the climate and environment; and
- Provides a solution for a heretofore unaddressed need
We are funded through private donations from people like you. Join us on our journey to make “Reproductive Autonomy for All” a reality!
What sort of products are in development?
Male contraceptives of the future can take a number of forms, with a wide range of product characteristics. This could be a daily pill, an implant, or even a coitally-dependent method that is taken only just before sex.
We like to think of male contraceptives in development as coming in three categories.
We like to think of male contraceptives in development as coming in three categories.
- Vas-occlusive devices. These can be likened to a vasectomy, and block the passage of sperm through the vas deferens. Unlike a vasectomy, these devices are intended to be reversible, and act long-term.
- Drug-based non-hormonal male contraception. This area is a very broad topic, and includes multiple targets with multiple mechanisms of action. Products could take the form of pills, implants, gels, or other modes of delivery. Depending on a number of factors, non-hormonal male contraceptives could potentially be short-acting, or quite long-acting, and there are many projects in development that span these diverse potential product characteristics. MCI focuses our funds on methods like vas-occlusive devices and drug-based non-hormonal approaches.
- Hormonal male contraception. This method uses administration of exogenous hormones to shut down sperm production, and is in active development with governmental and other support.
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When will it hit the market?
Science has intended to get male contraceptives on the market for decades. Of the products currently in development, current estimates are 15-20 years away for a drug-based product and 5-10 years away for a device.
Listen to Intended, a new podcast from us where we discuss male contraception--learning from the past, talking to the researchers of the present, and the users of the future.
Listen to Intended, a new podcast from us where we discuss male contraception--learning from the past, talking to the researchers of the present, and the users of the future.
Why do you only support non-hormonal efforts?
Hormonal male contraceptives are currently in clinical trials, with support from the NIH and other funders. Non-hormonal male contraceptives are comparatively underfunded, despite offering a greater opportunity for innovation and methods that meet the needs of more users. MCI supports non-hormonal, early-stage research efforts, investing in the long-term to create an eventual menu of options for men and women that meet their lifestyle and individual needs. We believe that all methods of contraception are meaningful components of a continuum of reproductive care necessary to provide everyone with the autonomy to decide what’s best for them and when.
What happens with the research you fund?
MCI strives for transparency in all our efforts. Our grantees publish their results as Open Access so that the broader community can learn about the latest advances in male contraception. Consistent with our global mission, we also promote access to the eventual products for communities worldwide.
Will men actually use it?
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There are multiple studies that show the majority of men are interested in male contraceptives, and want the ability to use them. MCI’s own research suggests a potential market of 17 million men in the United States alone. And that’s now – before there are any methods on the market at all. Once it becomes a normal conversation for men to be involved in contraception, we expect that more and more men will be interested.
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Male Contraception Myth Busting
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Will women trust men to use it?
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Male contraceptives will allow new options for couples who find the current landscape doesn’t meet their needs. In surveys, most women would trust their partner to use male contraceptives. Male contraceptives will add to the method mix, providing new options that allow men and women to contribute in whatever way they deem appropriate to contraceptive use. Those who wish to continue using current forms of contraception will still have that option, and each situation will be unique to the individual.
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Male Contraception Myth Busting
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Why has it taken so long?
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The unfortunate saying goes – “Male contraception has been 10 years away for the past 50 years.” There are many reasons for these delays including scientific hurdles, financing, and public interest. However, the field is more exciting than it’s ever been. Research is progressing down previously unexplored pathways with new technological advances, and an increasingly vocal contingent of men and women are highlighting the need for new options.
Our podcast Intended investigates the past, present, and future of male contraception. Season 1 is currently available and its episodes provide details as to why we don’t yet have contraceptive methods for men beyond the condom and vasectomy. |
Drug Development Pathway
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What are the biggest hurdles to making a male contraceptive?
First and foremost, funding. It can cost well over a billion dollars to get a drug all the way onto the market, and in an age where funding is scarce, male contraception rarely makes it to the top of the priority list. MCI pushes projects further along the pipeline to de-risk them and provide incentive for other funders to participate in the landscape.
Secondly, the regulatory pathway for male contraceptives is uncertain. These products will be unlike any other, and the steps required to ensure their safety and efficacy are yet-to-be determined. Male Contraceptive Initiative works with researchers and other stakeholders to clarify that regulatory path, and ask the important questions early. Other hurdles include the scientific challenges inherent in making a safe, reversible contraceptive that meets high clinical standards, and eventual policy issues in making it available for the consumer.
Secondly, the regulatory pathway for male contraceptives is uncertain. These products will be unlike any other, and the steps required to ensure their safety and efficacy are yet-to-be determined. Male Contraceptive Initiative works with researchers and other stakeholders to clarify that regulatory path, and ask the important questions early. Other hurdles include the scientific challenges inherent in making a safe, reversible contraceptive that meets high clinical standards, and eventual policy issues in making it available for the consumer.
What do you think about hormonal male contraception?
We’re very optimistic about hormonal male contraceptive trials, as they will allow men to participate in the family planning process in a way they haven’t been able to before. These eventual products will also create data about what men use, need, and enjoy about contraception, and shape how we guide the innovative products of the future.
Will male contraceptives offer STI / STD prevention?
Simply due to technology, first-generation male contraceptive products aren’t expected to offer sexually-transmitted infection / disease (STI) prevention. Multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products are a class of products currently being researched to deliver contraception and varied combinations of HIV prevention and other STI prevention. We’re hopeful that innovative future products for men and women will find ways to incorporate these features.
Will women continue using their own contraception?
Many women use hormonal contraception for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. This is an individual choice for women to make on a case-by-case basis, considering their contraceptive needs, relationship, and other factors. We view contraception not as an “either, or” situation, but rather an “and” one: everyone should have access to the contraceptive methods they want and need. It is to everyone’s benefit that people have the tools and resources necessary to achieve their reproductive autonomy.
What are the differences between creating male and female methods?
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There are lots of differences between developing male and female contraceptive options. Existing female contraceptives generally rely on using active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This makes their approval and release easier, since much more is known about the safety and efficacy of the drug. Male options are yet to be developed, especially non-hormonal contraceptives. These drugs will need to be fully tested and vetted before they are allowed on the market.
In addition, biology is quite different. Female hormonal contraceptives generally work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. Male contraceptives will need to target the creation or maturation of sperm, it’s transport out of the male reproductive system, or it’s ability to swim to and fertilize an egg. These drastically different biological functions are complex, and need in-depth scientific study to understand how we might block them in a targeted, non-systemic way. |
Existing Contraceptive Methods
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How can I learn more about conferences and other events around the male contraception space?
We regularly update our Events page to provide you listings of local and international conferences and meetings. This page also gives you access to brief event descriptions along with logistical details. You can sign up for our newsletter to receive information on upcoming events.
Does Male Contraceptive Initiative have published works?
Male Contraceptive Initiative has completed several projects that have led to publication of scientific literature and in general media. Many of these studies and reports are self-published. We also highlight scientific articles that our grantees have published. These resources can be found on our Publications page.
Is there a place where scientific terminology and/or phrases are defined and explained further?
The Glossary provides you quick access to a collection of defined scientific terms and phrases. It also includes words from popular culture in reference to the male reproductive system. You can also visit our videos and webinars, as well as our blog for more in depth explorations of these concepts and terminologies.
Where can I sign up?
You can sign up for our newsletter below for updates on MCI. We’ll notify you of new ways you can participate in the creation of methods for men as we have them.
What are the male birth control research activities MCI is supporting? |
What are MCI's advocacy efforts to support male birth control? |
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This section highlight some of the projects we are supporting in an effort make the work we are supporting more accessible to the general public:
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This section highlights some of the advocacy and outreach efforts we conduct in order to illustrate the demand and need for male birth control:
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A single injection that ensures a man cannot cause a pregnancy for years and is completely reversible.
A reversible male birth control that impacts the head of the sperm, preventing it from fertilizing an egg.
A biodegradable implant injected just below the skin’s surface that can deliver a male contraceptive over a sustained period of time.
A daily, or even on-demand, method of male birth control that prevent sperm from being able to swim when taken.
A reversible male birth control method that causes sperm to become sterile.
A cohort of excited young researchers motivated by curiosity, ambition, and the social good associated with male birth control.
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We work to understand needs and perceptions to develop a menu of male contraceptives that meets everyone’s needs.
Supporting men and women preventing pregnancy as a unit.
Facilitating a commercial pathway for male contraception driven by collaboration, transparency, and the public good.
Developing a community of practice that brings together expertise from across the spectrum to get male birth control to market faster.
Producing an educational program featuring subject matter experts and everyday people investigating the past, present, and future of male birth control.
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Male Reproduction & Contraception
The science behind male reproduction can be challenging, yet it is critical to understand the biology in order to know how the male contraceptives of the future will function. In an effort to make this science more accessible, we have developed a series of primers about male reproduction and contraception:
