As we continue our educational series on male reproductive biology and its relevance to the development of non-hormonal, reversible male birth control, we turn our attention to an often overlooked aspect of male reproductive health - testicular aging. Understanding the processes that underlie the aging of the testes is crucial for developing effective male contraception methods.

​World Vasectomy Day is an occasion to celebrate not only the significance of vasectomy as a reliable and effective male contraceptive method but also to emphasize the importance of expanding the range of reversible male contraceptive options. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of vasectomy, its benefits, and the pressing need for more reversible male contraceptive alternatives. Join us as we celebrate World Vasectomy Day and advocate for greater choices in family planning.

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that provides permanent protection from pregnancy. It is also known as tubal sterilization, tubal ligation, voluntary surgical contraception, tubectomy, bi-tubal ligation, tying the tubes, minilap, or “the operation”.

When it comes to discussions about contraception, the focus often centers around women's choices and responsibilities. However, male contraception is an essential and often overlooked aspect of family planning. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing new and effective methods of male contraception that can provide men with more control over their reproductive choices. By embracing and promoting male contraception, we can redefine masculinity and empower men to take an active role in family planning and sexual health.

Female condoms are linings made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film that fit loosely inside the vagina. They are often made out of latex, polyurethane, or nitrile. They act as a barrier to block semen and other bodily fluids from entering the cervix.

​Support for young researchers is a key pillar of MCI’s work in furthering the progress of male contraception. We find it so important that we have a variety of ways to get behind today’s brightest, including a fellowship program, internships, and our Trainee Success program. The Trainee Success Program is one of our most versatile ways to help young researchers as it comes to meet students where they are. If they are in need of travel support, professional development, or other help, our Success Program can find a way to develop these young scientists in such a way that the future of male contraception is sustained for years to come.

Fertility is a way of preventing pregnancy through natural family planning. It is done by a woman monitoring and recording different fertility signs throughout her menstrual cycle to determine when she is most likely to get pregnant. She can prevent pregnancy by avoiding unprotected sex during her most fertile days through abstaining or implementing a barrier method.

​The contraceptive patch is a small, flexible, adhesive patch worn on the body for 3 weeks, and is removed for the fourth week to allow for menstruation. The patch continually releases the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy.

The quest for effective and reliable male birth control methods has gained significant attention in recent years thanks to the efforts of organizations like MCI. While advancements in contraceptive options for women have also been substantial, the limited choices available to men underscore the need for innovative solutions in order to provide safe, effective contraception for all genders. Developing this next generation of birth control methods requires developing a deep understanding of people's needs and preferences, which is where market research plays a vital role: offering valuable insights that shape the design and development process. In this blog post, we will explore why understanding people's needs is crucial and make a compelling case for conducting market research in the realm of male contraception.

An Intrauterine Device, or IUD is a long-term contraceptive option placed within the uterus through the vagina by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It is a T-shaped, plastic device with one or two strings hanging from it that reach through the cervix into the vagina.

Reproductive autonomy is a fundamental human right that enables individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and exercise control over their own bodies. Historically, the responsibility of contraception has been placed primarily on women, which limits their reproductive autonomy. However, male birth control has the potential to revolutionize reproductive health and empower all people to take control of their own reproductive choices.

​​​This blog series highlights pertinent publications that were featured in MCI's monthly newsletter editions in the first quarter of 2023. The purpose of this blog is to report interesting or relevant work from MCI Fellows, Grantees, staff members, and other community authors in the field of male contraception.

​With all the attention and excitement building about ChatGPT and the future of Artificial Intelligence-assisted, well, everything, we decided to put the platform to work and asked it to write a blog post for us about male birth control. Less than a minute after asking, here’s what it came up with:

The production of sperm can be disrupted with a rise in temperature. Male thermal contraceptive methods (MTCs) involve heating the testicles inside the scrotum so that sperm production is slowed down. MTCs induce temporary infertility in men via a number of different methods, including applying hot water to the scrotum, generating heat on the testicles using ultrasound or heating pads, and creating artificial cryptorchidism (i.e., holding the testicles inside the abdomen) using specialized underwear.

​​This blog series highlights pertinent publications that were featured in MCI's monthly newsletter editions in the fourth quarter of 2022. The purpose of this blog is to report interesting or relevant work from MCI Fellows, Grantees, staff members, and other community authors in the field of male contraception.

The end of the year always invites the opportunity to look back and reflect upon all that transpired over the previous months that help define the year, whether good, bad, or otherwise. It is an opportunity to introspect and evaluate how yesterday’s actions led to today and help inform tomorrow.