Family planning and reproductive choices aren’t all up to one person. Birth control can be a shared responsibility that includes male contraceptive options in addition to female birth control methods.
Key Takeaways
- Male birth control options allow men to participate in pregnancy prevention and share reproductive responsibility.
- Currently available male birth control options include condoms, vasectomy, and spermicides, each with different levels of effectiveness and commitment.
- Condoms are the only male method that helps protect against both pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Vasectomies are a highly effective, long-term option for pregnancy prevention, but do not protect against STIs.
Why consider male birth control?
Male birth control gives men a direct way to participate in pregnancy prevention, helping share responsibility and support their partner’s reproductive choices. Exploring these options can strengthen communication, create more balanced decision-making, and give sexual partners another tool to manage their sexual health together.
It’s known that female birth control such as POP and COC pills can cause side effects, such as changes to one’s period. Male contraceptives can help provide alternatives for women who experience adverse side effects from birth control pills. Plus, using additional birth control options helps reduce the likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy, and using latex or plastic condoms also helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What are the different types of birth control options for men?
There are several types of birth control for men, ranging from short-term to long-term options. Currently there are no birth control pills available for men, however several new options are currently in development.
1. Condoms
Male condoms are flexible, physical barriers that fit over the penis to reduce skin-to-skin contact and designed to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during sex. In general, condoms are widely available and a commonly used form of birth control for men.
When used correctly, they are effective at preventing pregnancy and reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.¹ However, because condoms do not cover the entire genital area, other STIs can still be transmitted through uncovered areas.
2. Vasectomy
A male vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents sperm from mixing with semen by closing off the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm to the urethra. Studies have reported that within three to six months after a vasectomy, the failure rate drops below 1% making it a highly effective form of male birth control.2 However, vasectomies do not protect against STIs.
The procedure is typically completed in under 30 minutes, and the typical recovery time for most people is said to be 10 days. In the United States, more than 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year.²
3. Spermicide
Spermicide is a birth control method that prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the egg.³ In the US, the only spermicide available is a chemical called nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which prevents pregnancy by killing sperm so they can’t fertilize an egg. Spermicides are generally available over-the-counter and may be available in several forms including gels, creams, foams, films, and suppositories. The best way to use spermicides is in combination with devices designed to block sperm such as cervical caps. Spermicides don’t prevent STIs.
To be effective, spermicides must be placed or applied within the vagina before sex. When used alone, they are only about 70% effective at preventing pregnancy.³ When using spermicide, it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer instructions carefully and use spermicides to supplement another form of birth control.
Available Male Birth Control Options
Condoms
- Physical barrier
- Short-term, used during intercourse
- Designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the egg
- Reduces risk of STI transmission
Vasectomy
- Surgical procedure
- Long-term (considered permanent, though sometimes reversible)
- Blocks sperm from mixing with semen
- Does not protect against STIs
Spermicides
- Chemical method
- Short-term, applied before intercourse
- Deactivates sperm upon contact to prevent them from reaching the egg
- Available over the counter in different forms
- Recommended to be used in addition to other methods
- Does not protect against STIs
Emerging male birth control options
While not yet available, several male birth control methods are in development, including hormonal and non-hormonal options. Research and clinical trials suggest a promising future for alternative male contraception, such as pills, gels, and injections.
Among male birth control pills in development, YCT-529 stands out. In 2025, this non-hormonal oral male contraceptive pill – which temporarily stops sperm production – was deemed safe for human use in an early phase 1 clinical trial.⁴
Gels are a promising and easy-to-use option. The Population Council has developed a daily contraceptive gel for men that is absorbed through the skin on the shoulders. It contains the hormone Nestorone®, a type of progestin, which suppresses sperm production.⁵
Several injections are also being tested in human studies. For example, ADAM is a non-hormonal hydrogel injected into the vas deferens to block sperm from leaving the testicles, essentially acting as a temporary vasectomy.⁶
Male Birth Control Options in Development
YCT-529 daily birth control pill
- Non-hormonal pill
- Reversible
- Stops sperm production
Nestorone® daily contraceptive gel
- Hormonal topical gel
- Reversible
- Applied to the shoulders daily
- Suppresses sperm production
ADAM injectable hydrogel
- Non-hormonal gel
- Temporary (acts like a reversible vasectomy)
- Injected into the vas deferens
- Blocks sperm from leaving the testicles
How does birth control for men work in general?
Male birth control methods are designed to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Condoms act as a physical barrier that stops sperm from reaching the egg.
- Spermicides deactivate sperm.
- Vasectomies block sperm from mixing with semen.
- Experimental hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives aim to stop sperm production altogether.
How effective are male contraceptives?
Male contraceptives are generally considered to be effective when used correctly, but abstinence from sex is the only guaranteed method of preventing pregnancy. Effectiveness of male contraceptives varies by method, with vasectomies generally considered to be the most effective.
How men and women can share ownership of birth control decisions
As the company that introduced the first-ever OTC daily birth control pill, we believe personal decisions like birth control should be on your terms. We also encourage sexual partners to make informed decisions about reproductive health together, as it can empower open communication, shared responsibility, and helps toward building a healthier, more connected relationship.
Combining male and female contraception methods ultimately reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Using barrier contraceptives such as condoms helps reduce the risk of transmitting STIs and can give both partners greater confidence and peace of mind during sex.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Condoms: Birth control, types, how they work & effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9404-condoms
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Vasectomy: Procedure, recovery & effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/4423-vasectomy
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Spermicide: A birth control method. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22493-spermicide
[4] Seo, H. (2025, July 22). First hormone-free male birth control pill shown safe in early human trial. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/male-birth-control-pill-yct-529-passes-human-safety-test/
[5] Population Council. (n.d.). Nestorone®/Testosterone transdermal gel for male contraception. https://popcouncil.org/project/nestorone-testosterone-transdermal-gel-for-male-contraception/
[6] Epworth HealthCare. (2022, November 10). Male contraceptive implanted at Epworth Freemasons in world first. https://www.epworth.org.au/newsroom/male-contraceptive-implanted-at-epworth-freemasons-in-world-first
