What is NES/T and how does it work as a male contraceptive?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

NES/T is an investigational male contraceptive gel that combines two hormones—nestorone (a progestin) and testosterone—to safely suppress sperm production and help prevent pregnancy. Applied daily to the shoulders, NES/T works by lowering natural testosterone in the testes, which reduces sperm count, while replacement testosterone maintains normal hormone levels throughout the body.

If you're exploring contraceptive options or experiencing symptoms related to hormones, fertility, or reproductive health, understanding your body is the first step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify potential causes, clarify what may be going on, and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that means speaking with a doctor, exploring treatment options, or simply getting peace of mind. It takes just a few minutes and could save you hours of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Find cause of contraception side effects Learn if symptoms need urgent care Discover likely reasons for male contraceptive concerns See OTC relief for side effects Find doctors for contraceptive counseling Discover home remedies for contraceptive side effects Check if male contraceptive symptoms are serious

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Explanation

NES/T is a male contraceptive that combines testosterone and a hormone called nestorone into a gel. This gel is applied to the skin.

How It Works:

Nestorone: This hormone stops the body from making its own testosterone, which is needed for sperm production.
Testosterone: This hormone in the gel helps keep normal male characteristics like muscle and hair growth.

When used together, these hormones lower sperm production to levels that make pregnancy very unlikely. The gel is applied daily to the skin, usually on the shoulders or upper arms. Studies have shown that this method is effective in reducing sperm count, which is essential for contraception.

Using NES/T is a non-invasive and reversible method, meaning that when you stop using it, sperm production can return to normal levels. This makes it a promising option for men seeking temporary contraception. If you're experiencing any side effects or have concerns about hormonal changes, you can check your symptoms with a free online assessment to better understand what you're experiencing.

(References)

Anawalt BD, Roth MY, Ceponis J, Surampudi V, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, et al. (2019). Combined nestorone-testosterone gel suppresses serum .... Andrology, 30969032.
Ilani N, Roth MY, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, Dart C, Page ST, et al. (2012). A new combination of testosterone and nestorone .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 22791756.
Mahabadi V, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, Bremner WJ, Page ST, Sitruk-Ware R, et al. (2009). Combined transdermal testosterone gel and the progestin .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 19366848.

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