A male contraceptive could be on the market within a few years after new research showed it to be both safe and effective in preventing sperm production - without affecting men’s sex drive.
For the first time in history, men could soon share the responsibility of birth control, ending decades in which women have carried the burden.
Speaking exclusively to GB News Originals, world‑leading fertility expert Dr Régine Sitruk‑Ware revealed that results from a groundbreaking study on a medicinal gel are about to be published within months describing the breakthrough as a “game‑changer” for couples.
“Men would have their normal male function, male drive. However, they would not produce sperm,” said Dr Régine Sitruk‑Ware.
The gel - based on hormones and now in advanced testing - works by using a combination of nestorone (a man-made form of the hormone progesterone) and testosterone.
Dr Sitruk‑Ware, a leading expert in male contraception at the scientific research organisation, the Population Council, explained: “This works by blocking the command from the brain to the testes and stops the production of sperm.
"At the same time, testosterone replaces the male hormone so they keep their libido, their energy, and their male characteristics. Everything remains normal - except that they no longer produce sperm.”
The gel - which is rubbed onto a man’s shoulders daily - has been trialled on more than 460 couples in a five-year multicentre study led by the national institute of child health and development and the population council. A total of 200 completed a full year of treatment.
“There were no serious adverse events. Minor events like headaches, acne or mild mood swings occurred in a few cases. And most men recovered fully once treatment stopped,” said Dr Sitruk‑Ware.
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For the first time in history, men could soon share the responsibility of birth control
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For decades, critics argued that men wouldn’t be trusted to take a contraceptive - or wouldn’t want to.
But Dr Sitruk-Ware says recent surveys on more than 10,000 men who were interviewed now suggest the opposite.
“Up to 80 per cent of the men interviewed were ready to take a male contraception. And the women interviewed said they would trust their partner. This shows a real change. Young men especially are more willing to share the responsibility. It’s very encouraging,” she said.
She added that attitudes even a decade ago were very different. “Ten years ago, surveys showed about half of men would be interested. Now, demand is much higher. Men are saying: ‘When will it be available? Can I re‑enrol in the study?’ It shows how much this is needed.”
For decades, critics argued that men wouldn’t be trusted to take a contraceptive - or wouldn’t want to (stock pic)
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At present, men’s only options are condoms or a vasectomy - the latter permanent.
Women, meanwhile, juggle pills, coils, implants and injections, often dealing with mood swings, weight changes, heavy bleeding or other side effects.
“For too long, women have carried the responsibility,” Dr Sitruk‑Ware said.
“Many women cannot tolerate the methods available. Having male contraception will help reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions. It’s very important that men and women can decide together on the size of their family.”
The hormonal male contraceptive gel is now preparing for Phase III trials involving over 1,200 couples worldwide - the final step before approval.
If successful, experts believe a male contraceptive could be available in the UK within the next five years.
Earlier this month, preliminary trials of a non‑hormonal pill, which blocks sperm production by targeting a vitamin A receptor, also made headlines.
But Dr Sitruk‑Ware warned these are still at a very early stage: She added: “This is a new molecule that blocks a receptor of vitamin specific to the testis, so it would not affect other functions of the body. It’s designed to be safe while allowing women to stop their contraception and couples to rely on the man’s method alone.”
“It’s the very first trial, and it’s only a single dose. They need to conduct repeated doses and long‑term studies. The hormonal method is much further ahead,” she said.
Minor headaches, acne and mood swings were reported, no serious problems.
After decades of false starts, Dr Sitruk-Ware says male contraception is finally within touching distance.
And she says, it could transform relationships and family life for good. “This will allow couples to share the responsibility. It’s something men want - and women welcome.”