In most heterosexual couples, contraception is carried by the woman.

Yet men also have ways to control their fertility. And while the “male pill” has long seemed like something that never arrives, several methods are now available or in development, at very different stages.

Gentlemen, you’ll see: no more excuses for not taking care of your fertility!

Contraceptive methods already available

1.    The external condom.

The most widely used barrier method, it is also the only one, along with the internal condom, to protect effectively against STIs during penile-vaginal penetration. Used incorrectly, however, it is not very effective: around 15% of pregnancies per year in real-life use [1]. Two habits reduce this risk: choosing the right size, and using a compatible lubricant (water-based ones are compatible with all condoms). In France, several brands are available free of charge without a prescription for under-26s, and reimbursed with a prescription for older people [2].

2.    Vasectomy.

It involves cutting the vas deferens, the ducts that connect the testicles, where sperm is produced, to the rest of the reproductive organs. It is the most effective male method [1], and it is much less invasive than its female equivalent, tubal ligation. In France, a 4-month reflection period is required, and contraception is only effective around 3 months after the procedure, once confirmed by semen analysis. A reversal operation exists (vasovasostomy), but its success is not guaranteed: vasectomy should be considered permanent. Very common in English-speaking countries (more than 15% of men in the United States have one in their lifetime [3]), it is also increasingly common in France and appeals to more and more young men, with nearly 58,000 vasectomies performed in 2025, 27 times more than in 2010! Since 2021, the annual number of vasectomies has exceeded that of tubal ligations [4].

3.    Hormonal contraception.

One male hormonal method is already recognised by international consensus: a weekly testosterone injection, which reduces sperm production through feedback. No product currently holds a marketing authorisation for contraceptive use in France, so it is not covered by the French national health insurance (Sécurité sociale). Because of side effects, it can only be used for 18 months in a row, renewable once [5].

4.    Thermal contraception.

Better known as “heating briefs” (the “slip chauffant”), the “Toulouse testicle lifter” or the contraceptive ring, it involves holding the testicles above the scrotum, at the base of the penis, for 15 hours out of every 24 [5]. The available trials and publications report good effectiveness (less than 2% failure per year) and full reversibility [6]. Several organisations are working on preparing clinical trials that will provide more reliable information on the safety and performance of this contraception, and bring contraceptive devices to market. Among them are 37 DEGRÉS, but also Entrelac.coop, Cobalt contraception and Thoreme. Indeed, there is currently no device certified for this use: the method must therefore still be considered exploratory, even though several thousand men in France use it every day. A non-invasive method, simple to use, with no serious side effects according to initial clinical trials (men really are lucky!).

In practice, while no contraceptive device exists yet, it is possible to try testicular lifting with a silicone ring, a homemade jockstrap, or the 37.0 boxers offered by 37 DEGRÉS. However, no contraceptive claim is associated with these devices to date.

To start thermal contraception, the first step is to be supported by a health professional, for example one listed on this collaborative map.

Contraceptive methods in development

1.    The non-hormonal pill

How it works and its advantages. The most advanced molecule, YCT-529, blocks a retinoic acid receptor (a derivative of vitamin A) in the testicle, which halts sperm production. One pill a day, hormone-free, reversible and can be stopped at any time. The simplicity of a pill, without the hormones of the female version: what more could you ask for! [7]

Where is it at? Successful phase 1 in 2025: no adverse effects up to 180 mg, neither on hormones nor on libido. A phase 1b/2a trial is currently measuring the actual drop in sperm count. Contraceptive effectiveness in humans, long-term safety, and the time to onset and return to fertility have yet to be established.

Who, and when? YourChoice Therapeutics (United States), with trials in the United Kingdom and then New Zealand. A phase 3 trial will be needed: no market launch before the early 2030s.

2.    The daily hormonal gel

How it works and its advantages. A gel applied to the shoulders every day, combining a progestin, which blocks sperm production, with testosterone, which offsets the resulting drop. Simple to apply, reversible contraception. [8]

Where is it at? It has the most advanced clinical data: a phase 2b trial in around 420 couples, completed in 2024, reports effective suppression of spermatogenesis and a reliable return to fertility. Remaining drawbacks: the daily routine, the precautions needed to avoid skin transfer to others, and possible hormonal effects (weight, mood, acne, libido). But then again, isn’t that the daily reality of many women today?

Who, and when? The Population Council and the NIH (United States), with a licence taken over by Contraline in 2025. Phase 3 announced for 2027, with a realistic market launch around 2030 to 2032.

3.    Hydrogels injected into the vas deferens

How it works and its advantages. A gel injected into the vas deferens forms a plug that blocks or destroys sperm as it passes: the effectiveness of a vasectomy, without cutting. A single procedure for several years of contraception, with no hormones and no daily routine, and with planned reversibility. [9]

Where is it at? ADAM has published an encouraging phase 1 (a 99.8 to 100% reduction in motile sperm within 30 days, with no sperm detected in two participants at 24 months) and has moved on to phase 2. Plan A has been in phase 2 since late 2025. RISUG has run a phase 3 trial in 303 volunteers, with a reported effectiveness of 97.3%. What all three have in common: reversibility has never been demonstrated in humans. Peer-reviewed publications remain scarce, and the procedure is still invasive, with follow-up by semen analysis.

Who, and when? ADAM (Contraline, United States, trials in Australia), Plan A (NEXT Life Sciences, United States, trials in Australia and Canada) and RISUG (Indian public research, application filed since 2019). Approval in India could come before the others; Contraline mentions 2028 at the earliest, which remains very optimistic.

4.    The “male IUD”

How it works and its advantages. A small mechanical device fitted on the vas deferens that works like a tap: it does not block the duct but diverts sperm into the scrotum, where the body eliminates it. Fitting is announced as an outpatient procedure lasting around fifteen minutes and, unlike the female IUD, under local anaesthetic. Reversible by simple removal, with no hormonal effect. [10]

Where is it at? At the preclinical stage after four years of work, with animal testing still to be carried out. Everything therefore remains to be demonstrated in humans: effectiveness, long-term tolerance and reversibility.

Who, and when? STEOM, a project from Lille University Hospital (CHU de Lille): the 37 DEGRÉS project is also being carried out with doctors from this hospital. Lille, world capital of male contraception! First human implant targeted around 2030, with a market launch not before 2033, subject to CE marking.

Good news! Male contraception is no longer a theoretical subject. As with female contraception, there is no ideal method, but the developments under way will offer a range of solutions from which everyone can choose according to their age, life plans and tolerance of constraints. The aim is not to shift the whole burden onto men, but for every person in heterosexual relationships to finally ask themselves what they want to do about their fertility, whatever their gender. To open the conversation between partners. For a joyful, free and fair sex life!

We wish you great conversations!

And you, which contraception would you like to adopt? Tell us in the comments.

To start male contraception, you can contact a health professional or an association listed on this collaborative map.

Bibliography