Male Contraceptive Injections in the Near Future, But Will Men Use Them?
Male contraceptives may be available sometime within the next few years. In fact, in current clinical studies, the male contraceptive injection has been shown to be 99% effective – roughly the same rate enjoyed by the majority of female hormonal birth control methods. The male contraceptive injection alters the male hormonal system to completely stop sperm production while a man is using the shot. The good news is that these injections are completely reversible – research has shown that about 67% of the men tested had their sperm count rise to normal within six months (with nearly all the men reaching normal sperm within a year).
The United Nations World Health Organization, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Sydney have all conducted trials to study the effects of these weekly testosterone injections on sperm production. They have found the use of steroid hormones called androgens, primarily responsible for controlling the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics, have also been shown to lower sperm count without any change in libido, potency, or the ability to get an erection and achieve orgasm.
With over 40% of U.S. women using some form of birth control, men may be able to join them in the near future. Sadly, though, in a survey of 100 male students at Youngstown State University, 97% said they have never even heard of male birth control research, and the other 3% said they know very little about it. Additionally, all 100 students surveyed said they would not use any form of male hormonal contraception.
Helen Axby is affiliated with the British Family Planning center while she also works very closely with the World Health Organization. Axby’s take on the survey, "the wait for a male contraceptive will not be as long as the wait for men to take responsibility for their own birth control."
My male readers - what are your thoughts? Post a comment – would you be willing to use a male contraceptive?
Male Injection Photo Courtesy of Hans Neleman / Getty Images
I’m completely supportive of a wider variety of male contraceptives and have been looking into all the various methods being tested. I am a little nervous about the hormone treatment because it is unknown if there are any long term side effects… that said, I would probably still give it a try.
Yes I will be more than happy to try it and give a rest to my lovely wife. I think that the least we can do for women since they are the ones that go through preagnancy and labor is give them a brake from birth control.
Honestly your article has little basis. A survey of 100 students is hardly the best evidence for getting a national male college base, let alone a cross section of america. Not to mention completely reversible? That is a misrepresentation of the facts. 67% is good for sports stats but 67% is not completely and it was after 6 months. No wonder men are hesitant. There is a nearly 1/3 chance of being sterile afterwards. Great topic, terrible article. I am in favor of male contraceptives, not you piecing together a blog in haste to fill space.
I think this is great. I just hope that the men who say they would never take it don’t go claiming entrapment if they are faced with unwanted pregnancy.
I am personally quite sick of men claiming that women “trap” them into having kids. If they really don’t want kids, they can have a vasectomy or wear condoms. I think it is just plain stupid to put your potential parenthood in someone else’s hands.
This gives men their very own backup, that is non permanent, and without condoms.
Personally, even if my partner were taking this shot, I would insist on taking my own birth controle, lest I be “trapped”
I support this issue. Look in peer reviewed journals and discover that tess has been used for years to treat other conditions with the predictable side effect of reversible sterility. If dispensed by a physician ITS SAFE. I will also mention that another side effect is increased muscle mass. How many guys want that and do you think it would effect mens affinity to use this form of contraception? You bet. To the nay sayers do some actual research and form an unbiased opinion. By the way Ill be in grad school next year for biochemistry. In short dont let junk science effect rational thought and make informed decisions.
Are these male college students? Are you kidding me? Can they actually find a more irresponsible cross section of males to survey? Why don’t they just go survey high school sophomores, they’d probably get the same results.
Sign me up! Is there a study I can participate in until they put it on the market?
It’s ridiculous that 100 out of 100 KIDS from Youngstown State University said they would not even consider a male controceptive. Despite being ignorant, it is completely selfish. My relationship has suffered due to the lack of options for males and birth control. The Pill has negatively affected my girlfriend’s libedo, leaving our intamcy non-existent. It’s almost 2009, we have the technology,we have a need,and any drug company that doesn’t see the potential value of funding research for a male controceptive is crazy.
when is this stuff coming out? is there anywhere in the world i can get my hands on one of these shots?
I am firmly for this procedure, my girl has a condition where birth control may not be an option for her. I would gladly be the person in this relationship to take up some more responsibility.
I am thrilled that this product is in the testing stages and will be available in the next 5 years. I agree with previous commenters woh say it should not rest soley on the woman to see that a COUPLE does not get pregnant.
With the failure rate of condoms and pills, one more mthod cant hurt.
I’ve read in other articles where men were concerned about having an injection every month…What is the priority here? 5 seconds of discomfort once a month, or 3 years of dirty diaper changing and an unwanted baby?
Hell, I’d even foot the bill if my future s/o wants the shot. I’m all for it. Both of us on birthcontrol would make me very happy.
i allready use testosterone enathate and cyprinate at a 750mg per week and my sperm looks very healthy. i dont know if thats accruate way to tell or not. but would consider its use has contriceptive for males.
Sign me up! i would even volunteer to be a test subject at this point. This is the best thing to happen with men and sex since the invention of the vagina! All i can say is it will never be too soon to release this to the masses.
I honestly think that if would be wonderful if it were already out in the market. The idea of both sexes having the opportunity or taking the responsiblity would change things for the better. I would be more than interested in trying it. I even would be interested in volunteering to be test subject towards your research program for it!!
If you thing about it logically, or even as a typical guy. Well love pleasing woman, and her know she can’t get pregnant from us would raise her arousal levels, let alone, female birth control tends to “dry” the lubricating process in females during intercourse. It would save money and lubrication, and raise arousal levels in both partners.
i think its great! people have been talking about male birth control but never been successful in making it happen. It also totally beats my girlfriend getting moody all the time from her birth control. i would volunteer to get the shot, especialy if it has no side effects. sign me up