Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Contraception
Male Contraceptive Initiative provides funding and advocacy support for the development of non-hormonal, reversible forms of male contraception. But what does “non-hormonal” mean? How do these methods differ from “hormonal” contraceptives? This primer provides information on the differences between the two.

Existing Methods of Male Contraception
Though they are extremely limited, it's crucial that everyone understand how the available methods of male contraception work, as they are all we have to rely upon while the next generation of contraceptives are developed. This primer provides an overview explaining the existing methods of male (or sperm-targeting) contraception.

Condoms
A condom is a barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are currently the only non-hormonal, reversible method of male birth control. Learn more about this method in this primer.

Vasectomy
The most popular (and only) form of long-acting male contraception is a vasectomy. It involves cutting the vas deferens, the long tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation. Learn more about this birth control method in this primer.

The “Male Pill”
You already know what “The Pill” looks like, but what about “The Male Pill?” This primer explores what the next male contraceptive could exist as.

10 Facts about Male Contraception
Male contraception is coming, and is going to change the world. This primer provides 10 facts you may not have known about the most exciting part of the future of contraception.

10 Facts about Men and Vasectomy
Vasectomy and condoms are the only current options for male contraception. The most popular form of long-acting male contraception is a vasectomy. Learn more about this method in this primer.

Reproductive Aging
The growth and development that people experience throughout their lifetime are accompanied by changes in their reproductive system. A person’s reproductive capacity differs between varying life stages. Learn more about reproductive aging in this primer.

Contraceptive Gels
Spermicide is a method of hormone-free contraception that works by preventing sperm cells from fertilizing an egg. Spermicides are on-demand methods that come in many different forms including creams, gels, films, and suppositories. Learn more about contraceptive gels in this primer.

LARCs
LARC stands for “Long-acting reversible contraceptives”. These are methods of birth control that provide contraception over an extended period without the user having to do anything. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and subdermal contraceptive implants, and are the most effective reversible methods of contraception largely due to the fact that their effectiveness is not reliant on patient compliance. Learn more about these methods in this primer.

Contraceptive Implants
​An implant is a long-term contraceptive option that releases hormones to protect users from pregnancies. The birth control implant is a small rod, about the size of a matchstick, that is inserted into the upper arm by a healthcare provider.  After insertion, the implant will release therapeutics that inhibit pregnancies. Learn more about this method in this primer.

Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs)
​Multipurpose Prevention Technologies or MPTs are products created to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In order for a product to be labeled as an MPT, it must protect the user from at least two of the following reproductive health risks: HIV, STI transmission, and unintended pregnancy. Learn more about these technologies in this primer.

Injectables
​A contraceptive injection is a long-acting hormonal method that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. The injection contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body by the ovaries. The contraceptive injection is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when re-administered after the effects wear off. Learn more about this contraceptive method in this primer.

Pills
​There are two types of birth control pills, combination pills, and progestin-only pills. Both forms of the pill contain hormones that regulate ovulation to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently each day and the contraceptive effect is immediately reversible when users stop taking the pill. Learn more about these contraceptives in this primer.