Why Do We Need Male Birth Control Now?

Current contraception options available for men are falling short because there is no long-term male birth control option. Vasectomies are perceived as an irreversible method, and the real-world pregnancy rate for the condom is 13% – a truly high number if you’re looking for a fail-safe birth control method

Better contraceptive options for men will bring equity to family planning, as more men share the fertility responsibility. Every new female contraceptive method created has resulted in increased contraceptive use, fewer unintended pregnancies, and healthier children around the world. We expect the same to be true for future developments in new male contraception.

It’s imperative we make a push for male birth control today.There are 80 million unintended pregnancies each year worldwide. There hasn’t been significant innovation in contraception, particularly non-hormonal methods, for decades.

Reducing unintended pregnancies can help break the cycle of poverty. Researchers also expect to save taxpayers over $5 billion per year in short-term medical costs. Savings in long-term costs are expected to be much larger, just by ensuring family planning needs are met for all.
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is funding new research into male birth control methods. We’re pushing male birth control options down the pipeline so that men and women can have more options – together.

Consider donating to MCI. We’ve shown how we can make male birth control a reality: Be a part of the solution with us.

Male Contraceptive InitiativeWe advance our mission through research, media, and educational outreach. We:

• Award grants for innovative and promising research in the field,
• Network with and connecting to researchers to advance the field,
• Perform research on the potential impacts of male contraceptives,
• Survey attitudes towards and acceptability of male birth control, and
• Advocate for suitable policy and funding for male contraceptives.

Want to know more? ​