Today, there are 17 female-controlled forms of contraception approved by the FDA, including the birth control pill. Yet condoms and vasectomies are all that is available to men and couples who would prefer that men shoulder some of the contraceptive burden. You would think that, today, with so few male contraception options, the case for a male pill would be clear.
…
When you recognize there is a collective desire for a male contraceptive breakthrough, it makes the failure of science to deliver one to date even more baffling. Interestingly, the problem is rarely with the drugs themselves, as recent developments have been shown to have contraceptive efficacy. Instead, it’s barriers to bringing a male pill to market that remain myriad and complex.
…
Vasalgel is a polymer that is injected into the vas deferens, which transports sperm to the ejaculatory ducts. This stops the sperm leaving the penis on ejaculation similar to a vasectomy, but it is much more reversible.
…
The results of successful animal trials were published in February 2017, and it is hoped human trials will start soon.
…
though a new form of male-controlled contraception won’t be arriving tomorrow and may be some way off, this is not the time to be getting disheartened, urges [Male Contraceptive Initiative executive director Aaron] Hamlin.
Read full, original post: More than half a century later, where’s the male pill?
