Are there other types of male contraception besides pills in development?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Male contraception options beyond pills are actively being developed, including hormonal injections, topical gels applied to the shoulders, non-hormonal implants, and reversible vas-occlusion procedures like Vasalgel. These methods aim to expand choices for men seeking effective, reversible birth control.

If you're exploring contraception options or experiencing symptoms related to reproductive or hormonal health, it's important to understand your body first. Concerns like low libido, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance can influence which contraceptive method is right for you—and some symptoms warrant medical attention before starting any new treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if male contraception suits you Discover likely male contraception options for you See how male contraception could affect you Find OTC support for contraception side effects Find a doctor for contraception guidance Discover medically valid contraception side relief Understand if contraception development could fit you

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Explanation

There are various male contraception methods being developed beyond pills. Researchers are exploring injections, gels, and even innovative strategies like a 'cocktail-inspired' approach.

Injections: These are being studied as a way to temporarily stop sperm production.
Gels: Applied to the skin, these contain hormones that reduce sperm production.
Other Methods: Innovative strategies, such as a 'cocktail-inspired' approach, are also being explored. This involves combining different methods to effectively prevent pregnancy.

These developments aim to provide more options for men to help in family planning. Each method is designed to be reversible, allowing men to regain fertility after stopping use. If you're experiencing any health concerns or symptoms related to reproductive health, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to better understand your situation. These contraceptive options are still in research stages, but they show promise for future use.

(References)

Bao W, Xie L, Zeng X, Kang H, Wen S, Cui B, et al. (2019). A Cocktail-Inspired Male Birth Control Strategy with .... ACS nano, 30698012.
Blithe DL. (2016). Pipeline for contraceptive development. Fertility and sterility, 27523300.
Abbe CR, Page ST, & Thirumalai A. (2020). Male Contraception. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 33005125.

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