Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) supports the research & development of new birth control methods for men and sperm-producers.
We support researchers and advocates all over the world in their work developing and championing the next generation of male contraception. We provide a diverse range of funding options, including grants and direct investment. Additionally, we promote the field of male contraception and provide people with the educational resources necessary to understand how the new male birth control methods will function, as well as the positive impact they will have on the world.
MCI Overview
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, and founded in 2014. The organization provides funding and advocacy support for the development of new methods of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives in order to empower men and couples with the resources they need to meaningfully and equitably contribute to family planning goals.
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MCI Staff Headshots
MCI's Theory of Change
Funding |
We fund the research and development of new non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives. Male Contraceptive Initiative supports science that moves male contraceptives forward. We support a broad program of research including discovery-stage and pre-clinical studies across the drug and device realms. We also support young researchers, development of tools that promote the field, and social science that illustrates the demand and need for male contraceptives.
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Contraceptive Accelerator Network
Contraceptive Accelerator Network (CAN) works in parallel with Male Contraceptive Initiative to identify appropriate programs to support through the testing and evaluation processes required prior to Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and clinical trials.
The company’s operations are streamlined and intentionally designed to maximize cost efficiency in all activities, taking advantage of the many drug discovery resources commercially available to increase our impact while reducing overhead costs and allowing for an expanded portfolio of projects as and when appropriate. Founded in December 2021, the company has already raised over $1 million in funding to support promising male contraceptive targets. |
Advocacy |
We advocate for the research and development of new methods of male birth control. The demand for male birth control exists, and a majority of women would trust their male partner to take the responsibility of taking contraception in their relationship. Despite these facts, the funding necessary to bring a new male contraceptive to market is still not available. For this reason, it is imperative that organizations like MCI provide advocacy and outreach efforts that adequately educate the general public while promoting the research and development activities seeking to make new male contraceptives a reality.
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What are the male birth control research activities MCI is supporting?
This section highlight some of the projects we are supporting in an effort make the work more accessible to the general public:
A single injection that ensures a man cannot cause a pregnancy for years and is completely reversible.
Our grantee Contraline has invented a proprietary hydrogel called ADAM™ that is implanted into the vas deferens through a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure.
The hydrogel works by blocking sperm from traveling through the vas deferens. Similar to intrauterine devices (IUDs) for women, Contraline’s contraceptive is designed to last for years and be reversible. MCI’s support will be used by Contraline to prepare for filing with the FDA and initiating first-in-human trials. |
A reversible male birth control that impacts the head of the sperm, preventing it from fertilizing an egg.
Our grantee Dr. Wei Yan and his team of researchers have developed a new compound derived from a Chinese herb called the Thunder God vine (Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F).
The compound works by causing the head of sperm to be malformed such that they are not able to connect with and fertilize a female egg. This effect only occurs while the compound is consumed, and normal function is fully restored after discontinuing use. MCI’s support allowed Dr. Yan and his team to explore the effects of the compound and publish their results. Because of MCI’s grant, our sister organization Contraceptive Accelerator Network is performing nonclinical studies on Triptonide that advance it towards human studies. |
Our grantee Dr. Mario Buffone has been working in the field of sperm physiology for two decades. His lab seeks to understand the complex process of mammalian sperm capacitation, the change sperm undergo in the female reproductive tract that enables them to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
Dr. Buffone is working to screen and identify drugs that are able to prevent the capacitation and therefore render sperm incapable of fertilizing an egg. MCI is supporting the Buffone lab’s studies with the intent of moving towards in vivo preclinical studies. |
A biodegradable implant injected just below the skin’s surface that can deliver a male contraceptive over a sustained period of time.
Our grantee Dr. Rahima Benhabbour designs and fabricates delivery platforms for HIV prevention, cancer treatment, and contraception.
Dr. Benhabbour launched her first start-up AnelleO, Inc. in 2016, focusing on developing 3D-printed intravaginal rings for the treatment of infertility. MCI’s support will help facilitate studies that develop and implement an injectable device that can carry drug and translate into human studies. |
A daily, or even on-demand, method of male birth control that prevent sperm from being able to swim when taken.
Our grantee Dr. Gunda Georg’s group has published over 200 scientific articles on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of biologically active agents. In addition to male contraception, her lab investigates areas of cancer and female contraception.
Dr. Georg's lab has focused on investigating the testis-specific serine kinase (TSSK) family. These proteins are expressed after sperm have been developed, and are likely involved in multiple steps that could make them excellent contraceptive targets. MCI’s support will help Dr. Georg’s team investigate the sperm-specific isoform of Na,K-ATPase, which is crucial for sperm motility (e.g., sperm’s ability to swim). |
Our grantee Dr. Mike O’Rand is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of Eppin Pharma, named after the protein EPPIN which is a critical component of sperm development.
Dr. O’Rand is developing a compound called EP055, a small organic compound that that targets EPPIN on the surface of sperm and prevents sperm from swimming. MCI’s support will help support Dr. O’Rand Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling milestones that are required for Eppin Pharma to begin the process of entering first-in-man studies for EP055. |
A reversible male birth control method that causes sperm to become sterile.
Our grantee Dr. Stephen L’Hernault and his lab have worked on spermatogenesis (i.e., sperm creation) and fertilization for over 30 years.
Dr. L’Hernault is working on developing compounds that can block the function of the IZUMO1 protein, which is required to fertilize an egg. MCI’s support will help Dr. L’Hernault’s team to identify small compounds that reversibly block the function of the IZUMO1 protein. |
A cohort of excited young researchers motivated by curiosity, ambition, and the social good associated with male birth control.
Our Fellowship program features a mix of graduate and postdoctoral trainees, all working towards creating non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptive methods.
Our Fellows work on a diverse portfolio of projects that help move the male birth control forward. Our support allows our distinguished Fellows to focus on the research, publish data, and build the background they need to sustain a long career as an investigator. |
An on-demand method of male birth control that you take just before sex.
Drs. Lonny Levin and Jochen Buck are professors at Weill Cornell Medicine and are working on inhibitors of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) as on-demand male contraceptives. Their deep expertise in sAC keeps them attuned to the effects of inhibitors on sperm functions such as motility.
MCI is supporting work that develops novel inhibitors of sAC as on-demand male contraceptives as well as translational research that assesses the pharmacodynamics of inhibitors on human sperm. These steps are crucial to understanding how the drug stays associated to sperm after ejaculation and its potential contraceptive efficacy. |
What are MCI's advocacy efforts to support male birth control?
This section highlights some of the advocacy and outreach efforts we conduct in order to illustrate the demand and need for male birth control:
Working to understand needs and perceptions to develop a menu of male contraceptives that meets everyone’s needs.
Our grantee Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) provides health care to nearly 115,000 people and health education to more than 99,000 people across a five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) in the United States.
With MCI’s support, PPNCS will engage in critical market research activities by using mixed methods surveys to engage critical stakeholders on their reproductive health needs and desires in hopes that this will help inform research and product development activities. |
Our Consumer Research Study was the largest survey in the United States in the past decade exclusive to sexually active men ages 18-44 and focused on developing a better understanding of their attitudes, needs and motivations regarding the future of male birth control.
Developing a keen understanding of the family planning interests of communities domestically and internationally is a critical component of our market research activities. Our support of market research activities helps our grantees better understand the needs of those they’re developing contraceptives for, while framing the demand for male birth control methods in the general public. |
Supporting men and women preventing pregnancy as a unit.
Our Shared Risk publication advocates for creating a new ethical framework for assessing risks and benefits for new forms of male birth control.
Currently, the risks associated with pregnancy focus solely on the physical. As women are the only ones capable of physically bringing a baby to term, current thinking prevents a fair assessment of the risks men face when it comes to pregnancy. Our work is a necessary step towards reframing the concept of risk such that it creates a mandate for providing more and better male birth control methods. |
Facilitating a commercial pathway for male contraception driven by collaboration, transparency, and the public good.
Our Ideation Events bring together diverse, multi-disciplinary groups of subject matter experts in order to identify opportunities and challenges for the male birth control industry, while driving collaboration and innovation.
Our initial ideation events have greatly aided in developing a shared understanding of how best to move the male birth control field forward, and helped us to create a network of collaborators to champion “Team Science” as a development mandate. Our support allows participants to engage in innovative problem-solving activities as they build professional relationships to help accelerate their work. |
Fostering a community of practice that brings together expertise from across the spectrum to get male birth control to market faster.
Our Lemonade Stand Webinar Series explores various aspects of the work necessary to develop the next generation of non-hormonal, reversible male contraception.
Launched in response to the demand amongst the research community for more opportunities to engage and collaborate, our monthly webinars convene subject matter experts and the general public alike. Our support helps facilitate expanding people’s understanding of the male birth control field, demystify the science behind male contraception, and allow people to engage with each other more intimately. |
Producing an engaging audio experience featuring subject matter experts and everyday people investigating the past, present, and future of male birth control.
Our audio series “Intended” is the only podcast solely dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of male birth control.
The series features interviews with a holistic set of stakeholders representing all facets of male birth control research and development, as well as the people seeking additional male methods of contraception in an effort to make the science of male contraceptives more accessible while also illustrating the interest in and demand for male birth control. |
Creating an educational platform that provides people with the foundational understanding of male reproductive biology and contraception.
Our Male Reproduction & Contraception primers provide an introduction to male reproductive biology that is easy-to-understand and engaging.
The primers feature concise overviews of the individual components of the male reproductive system that afford readers the opportunity to better understand how this system works, as well as how it can be disrupted in order to develop the next generation of male contraception. Providing this foundational knowledge is critical to ensuring people’s understanding of the importance of these upcoming contraceptives. |
Developing a database of potential targets that illustrates the breadth of male contraception research and development.
MCI’s Non-hormonal, Reversible Male Contraception Database features all of the non-hormonal male birth control targets that have been identified to date, including those that MCI is directly supporting financially.
The database is a “living” entity that we update in an ongoing basis in an effort to keep the research community and general public abreast of the promising work that could lead to next generation male contraceptives. It seeks to answer two of the most pressing questions in the male birth control field: “What potential male contraceptives are out there?” and “When will they be available?” |
Designing a system of tools that facilitate creative brainstorming while developing a sense of shared empathy.
MCI’s Personas are fictional characters created to represent different user and beneficiary types that might use a product (e.g., male birth control) in a similar way.
These personas are especially useful during ideation activities for new male contraceptives and related services as they allow for the extrapolation of user preferences to inform attributes, thereby removing some of the ambiguity inherent in new product design. |
Sharing an inclusive understanding of the needs of traditionally underserved communities.
MCI’s LGBTQIA+ content seeks to take into consideration the diversity of interests and needs of this community when developing the next generation of male contraception.
Today’s youth will be tomorrow’s users of these new methods. Given that around 5% of young adults in the United States today identify as either transgender or nonbinary, there is a clear need to move beyond the gender binary in order to ensure future contraceptives meet a diversity of needs and preferences. On this page, we share details about different communities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum in an effort to ensure their needs are understood and accounted for. |
Making a clear connection between male contraception and the world’s most pressing challenges.
We studied the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to identify ways in which new methods of male birth control can help the world achieve each of them.
The SDGs are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all", and were set up by the United Nations to be achieved by the year 2030. Through our work, we provide direct connections between each of the goals and male contraception. Through this, we illustrate the potential, incredibly positive impact that new methods of male birth control can have in achieving our shared sustainability goals. |
Creating a multimedia learning journey that facilitates a holistic understanding of male contraception.
We collaborated with a team of students to develop a Digital Manual containing learning modules that empower students and the general public with the information necessary to understand the importance of male contraception.
MCI worked with Masters of Public Health students from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health to create a fun, interactive educational system in order to provide additional learning opportunities for engaged audiences. Our co-created Digital Manual allows people to engage with the information they need and learn at their own pace. |
Infographics
This section features a collection of infographics and other visualizations that help frame and illustrate the importance and potential impact of the next generation of male contraception, as well as related challenges and opportunities. (To download, please click on the image to open it in a new window, then right click to save.)
Publications
This section features a collection of publications authored by Male Contraceptive Initiative staff and board members, as well as external publications related to the field of male contraception. These help provide additional information on various aspects of male birth control and its importance.
MCI Publications
International Market Research Study
Male Contraceptive Initiative partnered with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to co-fund an international market research study to investigate demand for male contraceptive methods as well as to better understand whether or not female partners in a heterosexual relationship would trust male partners to use contraception. The study spanned the United States, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers spoke with ~15,000 men and their female partners wherever possible and found that there is considerable demand for male methods of birth control in all countries and female partners will trust their male counterparts to use contraception.
Male Contraceptive Initiative partnered with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to co-fund an international market research study to investigate demand for male contraceptive methods as well as to better understand whether or not female partners in a heterosexual relationship would trust male partners to use contraception. The study spanned the United States, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers spoke with ~15,000 men and their female partners wherever possible and found that there is considerable demand for male methods of birth control in all countries and female partners will trust their male counterparts to use contraception.
Consumer Research Study
Male Contraceptive Initiative led a study to identify unmet needs and satisfaction with current contraceptive methods among a sample of men across key market segments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest survey in the United States in the last ten years exclusive to sexually active men ages 18-44 to better understand their attitudes, needs and motivations regarding the future of male contraception as a family planning method.
Male Contraceptive Initiative led a study to identify unmet needs and satisfaction with current contraceptive methods among a sample of men across key market segments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest survey in the United States in the last ten years exclusive to sexually active men ages 18-44 to better understand their attitudes, needs and motivations regarding the future of male contraception as a family planning method.
"Shared Risk": Reframing Risk Analysis in the Ethics of Novel Male Contraceptives
Male Contraceptive Initiative's Logan Nickels co-authored this paper seeking to make a case can be made that use of a male contraceptive, even one associated with a very small risk of serious side effects and even death, is justifiable in a risk-benefit analysis as long as the overall risk to a given couple, the ‘‘shared risk,” is at or below the risk of currently available combined hormonal contraceptives or unintended pregnancy.
Male Contraceptive Initiative's Logan Nickels co-authored this paper seeking to make a case can be made that use of a male contraceptive, even one associated with a very small risk of serious side effects and even death, is justifiable in a risk-benefit analysis as long as the overall risk to a given couple, the ‘‘shared risk,” is at or below the risk of currently available combined hormonal contraceptives or unintended pregnancy.
Catalyzing momentum in male contraceptive development
Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Male contraceptives offer the potential to decrease unintended pregnancy and introduce contraceptive equity, but decades of research have yet to bring a novel product to market. New funding avenues from the philanthropic sector seek to stimulate research in male contraceptives through investments, grants, and support for trainees alongside other programs that encourage product development and ultimately commercialization. This Forum outlines the purpose of and funding opportunities provided by Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), a funding agency and non-profit focused on the advancement of non-hormonal, reversible contraceptive technologies for those who produce sperm.
Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Male contraceptives offer the potential to decrease unintended pregnancy and introduce contraceptive equity, but decades of research have yet to bring a novel product to market. New funding avenues from the philanthropic sector seek to stimulate research in male contraceptives through investments, grants, and support for trainees alongside other programs that encourage product development and ultimately commercialization. This Forum outlines the purpose of and funding opportunities provided by Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), a funding agency and non-profit focused on the advancement of non-hormonal, reversible contraceptive technologies for those who produce sperm.
The Role of Team Science in the Future of Male Contraception
Male Contraceptive Initiative's executive team makes the case in this paper that, by engaging those with deep technical expertise in the field of male contraception as well as thought leaders from other fields of practice, design-thinking offers an opportunity to identify potential strategies, including nontraditional approaches, capable of driving the product development process forward, in a faster and more efficient manner.
Male Contraceptive Initiative's executive team makes the case in this paper that, by engaging those with deep technical expertise in the field of male contraception as well as thought leaders from other fields of practice, design-thinking offers an opportunity to identify potential strategies, including nontraditional approaches, capable of driving the product development process forward, in a faster and more efficient manner.
External Publications
- "Progress in Male Contraception" by Christina Wang, Diana Blithe, Stephanie Page, David Serfaty, and Regine Sitruk Ware
- "State of World Population 2022: Seeing the Unseen" by United Nations Population Fund
- "Contraceptive Use by Method (2019)" from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
- "Will Men Use Novel Male Contraceptive Methods and Will Women Trust Them? A Systematic Review" by John J. Reynolds-Wright, Nicholas J. Cameron, and Richard A. Anderson
- “Contraceptive technologies for global health: ethically getting to safe, effective and acceptable options for women and men” by John Townsend, Régine Sitruk-Ware, Saumya Rama Rao, and Jim Sailer
- “Parents' experience of unintended childbearing: A qualitative study of factors that mitigate or exacerbate effects” by Megan L. Kavanaugh, Kathryn Kost, Lori Frohwirth, Isaac Maddow-Zimet, and Vivian Gor
- “Are higher unintended pregnancy rates among minorities a result of disparate access to contraception?” by Michele Troutman, Saima Rafique, and Torie Comeaux Plowden
- "Toward Development of the Male Pill: A Decade of Potential Non-hormonal Contraceptive Targets" by Katarzyna Kent, Madelaine Johnston, Natasha Strump, and Thomas X. Garcia
- "Preclinical contraceptive development for men and women" by Daniel S. Johnston, Erwin Goldberg
- "Assessing safety in hormonal male contraception: A critical appraisal of adverse events reported in a male contraceptive trial" by Carmen Abbe, Alison C. Roxby
- "Male contraception" by John Amory
MCI In the News
MCI prides itself on being a resource for all matters related to male contraception to the research community as well as the general public. This manifests in the development of both promotional (e.g., highlighting our work and that of our partners and grantees) and educational (e.g., developing content to demystify male reproduction and contraception) materials across numerous outreach channels. As such, MCI is often cited in publications, presentations, media outlets, and other external outreach channels, which speaks to the impact that our communications efforts are having on the field.
Here we highlight some of our more notable and recent media appearances:
Here we highlight some of our more notable and recent media appearances:
Scientific American - Male Birth Control Is in Development, but Barriers Still Stand in the Way
PBS Newshour - How more contraception options for both partners could change relationship dynamics
Men's Health - The Latest on Male Birth Control Options
Wired - After Roe, Men Might Finally Get Better Birth Control
New York Times - We Are Developing New Male Contraceptives. Our Work Has Never Been More Critical.
Washington Post - Why there’s still no birth control pill for men
New York Times - Despite Encouraging Research, a Male Birth Control Pill Remains Elusive
USA Today - Male birth control: What's getting in the way, sexism or science?
PBS Newshour - How more contraception options for both partners could change relationship dynamics
Men's Health - The Latest on Male Birth Control Options
Wired - After Roe, Men Might Finally Get Better Birth Control
New York Times - We Are Developing New Male Contraceptives. Our Work Has Never Been More Critical.
Washington Post - Why there’s still no birth control pill for men
New York Times - Despite Encouraging Research, a Male Birth Control Pill Remains Elusive
USA Today - Male birth control: What's getting in the way, sexism or science?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Contact Us!
For media enquiries, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply fill out the form below with your contact details and a brief description of how we can best be of service to you.