A landmark multi-country study has uncovered unprecedented global demand for novel male contraceptives. Spanning six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the United States, this study—the largest of its kind—surveyed 18,748 men and 9,122 of their female partners. The results indicate a robust latent demand for new male contraceptive methods, with the potential to reshape reproductive health and contraception worldwide.

Key Findings of the Landmark Study: 

• 61% of men expressed interest in trying novel male contraceptives which are currently being developed within the first year of availability, with demand highest in Nigeria and Bangladesh, where 76% of men were eager to try these methods.
• In the U.S., the study recorded a notable increase in demand following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, with willingness to use male contraceptives rising from 39% to 49% within the first year of availability.
• The study revealed that the highest projected "will ever use" novel male contraceptives reached 98% in Vietnam, while in the U.S., interest increased from 78% (pre-Dobbs) to 82% (post-Dobbs), demonstrating significant long-term potential for adoption.
• Women across all surveyed regions demonstrated high levels of trust in their male partners' use of contraceptives to protect them from pregnancy, with 85% of women in Bangladesh and 86% in Vietnam expressing confidence—answering the key question of whether women would trust their partners to effectively manage contraception to protect them.

A Decades-Long Gap Filled: Relevance to 20 Years of Male Contraceptive Research
This landmark study fills a crucial gap in research that has spanned more than two decades. Previous studies, such as those reviewed by Reynolds-Wright et al., found a third or more of men willing to use male contraceptives, but those assessments were often limited to hypothetical scenarios without specific product details. The current study, which based its questionnaire on potential products currently being developed, not only surpasses earlier efforts in scope and geographic reach but also provides granular insights into men’s preferences for product attributes, marking a significant step forward for the field.

Post-Dobbs Decision: Urgent Relevance for Male Contraceptive Development
The 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S., has had sweeping consequences for reproductive health. As the legal landscape has changed, so has the demand for contraceptives. The study’s findings, gathered both before and after the decision, underscore the urgency for new male contraceptives. With restricted access to abortion, novel male methods offer an opportunity to reduce unintended pregnancies and the need for abortions, benefiting both women and men by sharing contraceptive responsibilities more equitably.

Potential for Gender Equity and Improved Relationship Dynamics
With over 218 million women in LMICs lacking access to modern contraceptives, and nearly half of all pregnancies classified as unintended, the development of male contraceptives could shift the burden of contraception to a more balanced approach. The study shows that both men and women want this shift, which has the potential to improve reproductive outcomes, reduce unintended pregnancies, and foster healthier relationship dynamics by equalizing contraceptive responsibility.

A Call for Investment in Male Contraceptive Innovation
​With more than 23 male contraceptive products currently in development, including several in human clinical trials, the study calls on global health leaders, funders, and policymakers to invest in advancing these innovations. The data provides compelling evidence that male contraceptives can address significant unmet needs, enhance gender equity, and contribute to reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions worldwide.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Steve Kretschmer: [email protected] or Sabey Boswell: [email protected]

This study was generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Male Contraceptive Initiative.

About the Authors: Japneet Kaur is a consultant at Alstonia Impact in Bangalore, India and Dhananjay Vaidyanathan Rohini is Founder and Partner at Alstonia Impact, based in New Delhi, India. LinChiat Chang and Allie Gugliotti are independent data scientists in Cape Town, South Africa and Maryland, USA respectively, and Steve Kretschmer is the Founder and Executive Director of DesireLine, based in Istanbul, Turkey.

About Male Contraceptive Initiative: Male Contraceptive Initiative’s vision is “Reproduction Autonomy for All”, and works to accomplish this by bringing new male contraceptives to market. The non-profit accomplishes this through direct funding, technical support, research, and advocacy. MCI believes that couples deserve options and that they offer the biggest potential impact by focusing on male contraceptives. It’s time men are given more opportunities to contribute toward family planning. To learn more, please visit: https://www.malecontraceptive.org/

Durham, NC- Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has provided start-up funding to Better Birth Control, to support their work in advocating for male contraception.

This grant from Male Contraceptive Initiative reaffirms the organization’s continued commitment to global advocacy for male contraception, as Better Birth Control leads advocacy efforts in Berlin, Germany and across Europe. This grant shows MCI’s multi-pronged approach to advancing male contraception through not only funding support for the research and development of male birth control, but also supporting organizations doing essential work in advocating for male contraception.

Better Birth Control has successfully petitioned the German government for improved contraceptive options, including more options for people of all genders. This resulted in the inclusion of pro contraceptive language in the platforms of four of the German political parties for the 2021 federal election. Additionally, Better Birth Control has successfully advocated for the inclusion of contraceptives for all genders in the German research and development budget, resulting in a 2024 line item allocating up to five (5) million Euros in grant funding to the contraceptive R&D community.
"MCI is excited to support Better Birth Control to continue their impactful advocacy efforts for male contraception and reproductive health. Their impressive track record positions them as a growing leader in the field, and we're delighted to have them as a partner." Heather Vahdat, Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative

MCI's support will enhance Better Birth Control's engagement with German and EU regulatory agencies, streamlining the development and introduction of male contraceptives across Europe. Additionally, both organizations will collaborate with European partners to champion global access to affordable male contraceptives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Better Birth Control will also act as a key liaison between the German Ministry of Research and MCI, facilitating information exchange on funding opportunities and strategizing for the advancement of male contraceptive products in Europe.

“We are incredibly grateful for Male Contraceptive Initiative’s support, which strengthens our mission to advocate for male contraception worldwide. This grant allows us to amplify our efforts in Germany, Europe and across the globe, bringing us closer to a future where reproductive responsibility is shared and everyone has a right to reproductive freedom and well-being." Jana Pfenning and Rita Maglio, Co-Founders of Better Birth Control 

​MCI seeks to advance advocacy of contraception for men or people who produce sperm in order to achieve its organizational vision of “Reproductive Autonomy for All”. MCI’s mission is, “To empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.”

About Better Birth Control: Better Birth Control is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for a wider range of safe and effective birth control methods for people of all genders. Their efforts include public education campaigns, legislative advocacy, and fostering collaboration across the field of male contraception.

About Male Contraceptive Initiative: Male Contraceptive Initiative’s vision is “Reproduction Autonomy for All”, and works to accomplish this by bringing new male contraceptives to market. The non-profit accomplishes this through direct funding, technical support, research, and advocacy. MCI believes that couples deserve options and that they offer the biggest potential impact by focusing on male contraceptives. It’s time men are given more opportunities to contribute toward family planning. To learn more, please visit: https://www.malecontraceptive.org/