It will take a collective effort to ensure that those in the position to help make new male birth control methods a reality see and understand the demand for these products.
Male contraception is an under-funded area of scientific enquiry largely because of the persistent, false notion that people are not interested in them. To counter this, it is imperative that we work together to advocate for and fund the research necessary to bring these methods to market. Additionally, we must ensure that there is a shared understanding about not just the next generation of male contraceptives, but also the male reproductive system as well. In this way, we can better ensure that both male and female methods of contraception are on a more equal footing.
Partner with MCI |
|
We believe that through effective collaboration and a “team science” approach we can accelerate the male contraception development timeline and get a new method to market sooner than we can by going it alone. As such, we have developed a robust set of unique partnership opportunities for individuals and organizations to collaborate with us on. These opportunities advance the cause of “Reproductive Autonomy for All” while aligning your brand with ours in meaningful ways.
|
Clinical Trials
|
New male contraceptive methods are on their way, with both hormonal and non-hormonal being tested in humans today. These in-human trials are critically important to ensuring the safety and efficacy of these new methods of contraception, and they provide an incredible opportunity for men and couples to be part of history as we usher in the next contraceptive revolution. Male Contraceptive Initiative provides funding and advocacy support specifically for the development of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives, but we also believe in the need for sperm-producers to have an array of options so that they can choose what works best for them and in their relationship. To that end, we highlight opportunities for people to participate in clinical trials supporting male contraceptives across categories.
|
|
Resources |
|
There is limited information about male contraception available. This prevents much-needed conversations about such an important topic from taking place, while also limiting the efforts of advocates working to improve reproductive autonomy through male birth control methods. We work to address this by creating diverse materials and content that the research community and general public can utilize to educate themselves and champion the cause of male contraception. From podcasts to films to video games, we seek to develop impactful content that resonates with every audience.
|
Others ways to engage
There is a great deal of work to be done in order to get the next generation of male contraceptives to market, and everyone can play a role in helping achieve this goal. To that end, we have created the following sections to provide you with additional opportunities to get involved and lend your voice to the cause:
Talk to Friends & Family
|
We create our resources in order to help educate the general public about the importance of male birth control in an effort to empower people to advocate for the cause. A great way of doing so is to reach out to your friends and family to start discussions around male birth control. This will help ensure people are thinking about male contraception and prepare them for the inevitable day when more male methods are available.
|
Engage with Elected Officials
|
There is legislation that governs contraception at the local, state, and national levels. Reach out to your elected representatives and let them know that male birth control is important to you, and request that they support measures that would increase funding for male contraception research and development. Email your elected representatives, tweet them, call them, join a town hall, and/or share your story. The more they hear from us, the more they will think about advocating for male contraception!
|
Share Your Perspectives
|
We utilize surveys to gather information on a range of topics related to male birth control, and capitalize on the responses for each to create outreach and educational collateral such as blog content, videos, and social media posts. Add your voice to the conversation by visiting this space often and responding to the surveys we add on an ongoing basis!
|
Help Create Social Media Content
|
We endeavor to engage with as diverse an audience as possible, so we are active on many of the most popular social media platforms. As a small team, we are limited in our ability to create meaningful content that engages with a wide range of audiences on a daily basis. A quick and easy way that you can help us address this is by sharing your creativity, and we encourage people to reach out to us with any ideas you have for content!
|
Collaborate with MCI
|
As a small nonprofit, we rely on the support of external partners to accomplish our vision of “Reproductive Autonomy for All”. This extends beyond funding to include everything from conducting the scientific research for new male contraceptive targets, engaging with us through internships and fellowships, serving as advisors on various working groups, and more. We know it will take all of us working together to bring new male contraceptives to market, and we encourage you to reach out to us with any ideas you have on how we can engage with you.
|
Show Your Support
|
Our vision for the future is “Reproductive Autonomy for All”. More than a vision statement, though, we believe this is a rallying cry to build a movement around as achieving such a lofty goal benefits all people as well as the planet. You can show your support for the cause along with financial support to MCI by purchasing some of our branded merchandise in our store.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
About us
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose objective is to advocate for and promote the development of reversible non-hormonal male contraception. MCI was founded in 2014 by a group of interested individuals who saw a philanthropic model as an innovative method to promote the development of male contraceptives. Since then, we have grown in scope and capacity, funding over $5M in research activities since our inception. Our Executive Board comprises experts in medicine, research, contraceptive development, and marketing, and we retain key advisors and stakeholders in the contraceptive research space.
MCI’s vision is “Reproductive Autonomy for All” and our mission is “To empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.”
We fund scientific studies, support early-stage researchers, and engage with the public on why male contraception will yield an advanced and as yet, unimagined modern landscape that:
We are funded through private donations from people like you. Join us on our journey to make “Reproductive Autonomy for All” a reality!
MCI’s vision is “Reproductive Autonomy for All” and our mission is “To empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.”
We fund scientific studies, support early-stage researchers, and engage with the public on why male contraception will yield an advanced and as yet, unimagined modern landscape that:
- Provides men with an option that is safe and reversible;
- Increases access and contraceptive choices for all;
- Enables informed choice about family growth and planning;
- Offers a complete menu of options for contraception;
- Fosters shared responsibility between spouses and partners;
- Reduces stress on the climate and environment; and
- Provides a solution for a heretofore unaddressed need
We are funded through private donations from people like you. Join us on our journey to make “Reproductive Autonomy for All” a reality!
What sort of products are in development?
Male contraceptives of the future can take a number of forms, with a wide range of product characteristics. This could be a daily pill, an implant, or even a coitally-dependent method that is taken only just before sex.
We like to think of male contraceptives in development as coming in three categories.
We like to think of male contraceptives in development as coming in three categories.
- Vas-occlusive devices. These can be likened to a vasectomy, and block the passage of sperm through the vas deferens. Unlike a vasectomy, these devices are intended to be reversible, and act long-term.
- Drug-based non-hormonal male contraception. This area is a very broad topic, and includes multiple targets with multiple mechanisms of action. Products could take the form of pills, implants, gels, or other modes of delivery. Depending on a number of factors, non-hormonal male contraceptives could potentially be short-acting, or quite long-acting, and there are many projects in development that span these diverse potential product characteristics. MCI focuses our funds on methods like vas-occlusive devices and drug-based non-hormonal approaches.
- Hormonal male contraception. This method uses administration of exogenous hormones to shut down sperm production, and is in active development with governmental and other support.
|
|
|
|
When will it hit the market?
Science has intended to get male contraceptives on the market for decades. Of the products currently in development, current estimates are 15-20 years away for a drug-based product and 5-10 years away for a device.
Listen to Intended, a new podcast from us where we discuss male contraception--learning from the past, talking to the researchers of the present, and the users of the future.
Listen to Intended, a new podcast from us where we discuss male contraception--learning from the past, talking to the researchers of the present, and the users of the future.
Why do you only support non-hormonal efforts?
Hormonal male contraceptives are currently in clinical trials, with support from the NIH and other funders. Non-hormonal male contraceptives are comparatively underfunded, despite offering a greater opportunity for innovation and methods that meet the needs of more users. MCI supports non-hormonal, early-stage research efforts, investing in the long-term to create an eventual menu of options for men and women that meet their lifestyle and individual needs. We believe that all methods of contraception are meaningful components of a continuum of reproductive care necessary to provide everyone with the autonomy to decide what’s best for them and when.
What happens with the research you fund?
MCI strives for transparency in all our efforts. Our grantees publish their results as Open Access so that the broader community can learn about the latest advances in male contraception. Consistent with our global mission, we also promote access to the eventual products for communities worldwide.
Will men actually use it?
|
There are multiple studies that show the majority of men are interested in male contraceptives, and want the ability to use them. MCI’s own research suggests a potential market of 17 million men in the United States alone. And that’s now – before there are any methods on the market at all. Once it becomes a normal conversation for men to be involved in contraception, we expect that more and more men will be interested.
|
Male Contraception Myth Busting
|
Will women trust men to use it?
|
Male contraceptives will allow new options for couples who find the current landscape doesn’t meet their needs. In surveys, most women would trust their partner to use male contraceptives. Male contraceptives will add to the method mix, providing new options that allow men and women to contribute in whatever way they deem appropriate to contraceptive use. Those who wish to continue using current forms of contraception will still have that option, and each situation will be unique to the individual.
|
Male Contraception Myth Busting
|
Why has it taken so long?
|
The unfortunate saying goes – “Male contraception has been 10 years away for the past 50 years.” There are many reasons for these delays including scientific hurdles, financing, and public interest. However, the field is more exciting than it’s ever been. Research is progressing down previously unexplored pathways with new technological advances, and an increasingly vocal contingent of men and women are highlighting the need for new options.
Our podcast Intended investigates the past, present, and future of male contraception. Season 1 is currently available and its episodes provide details as to why we don’t yet have contraceptive methods for men beyond the condom and vasectomy. |
Drug Development Pathway
|
What are the biggest hurdles to making a male contraceptive?
First and foremost, funding. It can cost well over a billion dollars to get a drug all the way onto the market, and in an age where funding is scarce, male contraception rarely makes it to the top of the priority list. MCI pushes projects further along the pipeline to de-risk them and provide incentive for other funders to participate in the landscape.
Secondly, the regulatory pathway for male contraceptives is uncertain. These products will be unlike any other, and the steps required to ensure their safety and efficacy are yet-to-be determined. Male Contraceptive Initiative works with researchers and other stakeholders to clarify that regulatory path, and ask the important questions early. Other hurdles include the scientific challenges inherent in making a safe, reversible contraceptive that meets high clinical standards, and eventual policy issues in making it available for the consumer.
Secondly, the regulatory pathway for male contraceptives is uncertain. These products will be unlike any other, and the steps required to ensure their safety and efficacy are yet-to-be determined. Male Contraceptive Initiative works with researchers and other stakeholders to clarify that regulatory path, and ask the important questions early. Other hurdles include the scientific challenges inherent in making a safe, reversible contraceptive that meets high clinical standards, and eventual policy issues in making it available for the consumer.
What do you think about hormonal male contraception?
We’re very optimistic about hormonal male contraceptive trials, as they will allow men to participate in the family planning process in a way they haven’t been able to before. These eventual products will also create data about what men use, need, and enjoy about contraception, and shape how we guide the innovative products of the future.
Will male contraceptives offer STI / STD prevention?
Simply due to technology, first-generation male contraceptive products aren’t expected to offer sexually-transmitted infection / disease (STI) prevention. Multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products are a class of products currently being researched to deliver contraception and varied combinations of HIV prevention and other STI prevention. We’re hopeful that innovative future products for men and women will find ways to incorporate these features.
Will women continue using their own contraception?
Many women use hormonal contraception for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. This is an individual choice for women to make on a case-by-case basis, considering their contraceptive needs, relationship, and other factors. We view contraception not as an “either, or” situation, but rather an “and” one: everyone should have access to the contraceptive methods they want and need. It is to everyone’s benefit that people have the tools and resources necessary to achieve their reproductive autonomy.
What are the differences between creating male and female methods?
|
There are lots of differences between developing male and female contraceptive options. Existing female contraceptives generally rely on using active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This makes their approval and release easier, since much more is known about the safety and efficacy of the drug. Male options are yet to be developed, especially non-hormonal contraceptives. These drugs will need to be fully tested and vetted before they are allowed on the market.
In addition, biology is quite different. Female hormonal contraceptives generally work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. Male contraceptives will need to target the creation or maturation of sperm, it’s transport out of the male reproductive system, or it’s ability to swim to and fertilize an egg. These drastically different biological functions are complex, and need in-depth scientific study to understand how we might block them in a targeted, non-systemic way. |
Existing Contraceptive Methods
|
How can I learn more about conferences and other events around the male contraception space?
We regularly update our Events page to provide you listings of local and international conferences and meetings. This page also gives you access to brief event descriptions along with logistical details. You can sign up for our newsletter to receive information on upcoming events.
Does Male Contraceptive Initiative have published works?
Male Contraceptive Initiative has completed several projects that have led to publication of scientific literature and in general media. Many of these studies and reports are self-published. We also highlight scientific articles that our grantees have published. These resources can be found on our Publications page.
Is there a place where scientific terminology and/or phrases are defined and explained further?
The Glossary provides you quick access to a collection of defined scientific terms and phrases. It also includes words from popular culture in reference to the male reproductive system. You can also visit our videos and webinars, as well as our blog for more in depth explorations of these concepts and terminologies.
Where can I sign up?
You can sign up for our newsletter below for updates on MCI. We’ll notify you of new ways you can participate in the creation of methods for men as we have them.
Reproductive rights are in peril, and supporting organizations working to ensure reproductive autonomy is critical.
Will you help support our vision of "Reproductive Autonomy for All"?
Will you help support our vision of "Reproductive Autonomy for All"?
