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Male contraceptives: 3 new options that could change how couples prevent pregnancy
24th September, 2026 01:08 PM
For decades, women have had a wider range of contraceptive options, while men have largely relied on condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
However, this could change as researchers develop three new male contraceptive approaches that could give men a greater role in birth control and give couples more options for preventing pregnancy.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, September 24,2026,World Health Organization (WHO) outlined the approaches as part of efforts to guide the development of new male contraceptives.
According to the health organisation, it has developed its first Target Product Profile for male contraceptive methods, outlining the characteristics future products should meet, including safety, effectiveness, reversibility, acceptability and affordability.
Here are the three new options.
- Reducing sperm production
The first approach involves methods that reduce or temporarily stop the production of sperm.
Sperm are produced continuously in the male reproductive system, and reducing their production can lower the number of sperm available to fertilise an egg.
Researchers are exploring ways of doing this temporarily, with the aim of allowing normal sperm production to resume after a man stops using the contraceptive.
This approach could provide men with a reversible option that does not require permanent changes to their fertility.
- Stopping sperm from fertilising an egg
The second approach focuses on preventing sperm from successfully fertilising an egg.
Rather than necessarily stopping sperm production, these methods would target the sperm itself or processes needed for fertilisation.
The goal is to prevent pregnancy while maintaining the possibility of restoring fertility once the method is discontinued.
- Preventing sperm from being released
The third approach involves preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation.
Researchers are developing methods that could block the release or transport of sperm, meaning sperm would not reach the female reproductive tract where fertilisation could occur.
Like the other approaches, the aim is to create a reversible method that can be stopped when a man wants to restore his fertility.
When will it be available?
The three approaches are still under development, meaning they are not yet available as standard contraceptive options.
WHO said several hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive candidates are being researched, with some promising methods already in advanced clinical trials.
The organisation estimates that new reversible male contraceptives could reach the market within the next five to 10 years, although this will depend on the outcome of clinical trials, regulatory approval and other development processes.
Why male contraception is being expanded
Despite the current limited range, WHO estimates that around 30% of couples rely on a male method to prevent pregnancy.
The development of additional reversible methods could therefore give couples more choices when deciding how to prevent pregnancy.
WHO said its new framework is intended to provide researchers, funders and developers with clearer direction on the types of male contraceptives that should be developed.
The future methods are expected to be safe, effective, reversible, affordable and acceptable to users, giving men a wider role in contraception and couples more options when planning whether and when to have children.
