Contraception for men could be a reality in a few years. And it’ll be impossible to forget to take it, reports say.

For decades now, men have asked: “Did you remember to take your pill?” Condoms aside, contraception has primarily been the woman’s domain.

Advertisement

Now a male contraceptive "pill" is being developed in the UK. Its dosage will be delivered through tiny rods placed under the skin of the arm, making it impossible for men to forget to take.

What’s more, it could be effective for about three years.

The new contraceptive is currently undergoing clinical trials with 40 British men between the ages of 18 and 45, and another 80 from the US and Europe. Results are expected by the end of 2002.

The implant uses etongestrel, a form of progesterone used to block sperm production. The same hormone is currently being used in the male pill - a contraceptive in tablet form which is already under trial.

With both systems, men will need injections of testosterone every four or six weeks to maintain their sex drive.

The company, which already makes the female implant Implanon, said they would be testing the safety of the implant.

Read more:
Potential male contraceptive
Any questions? Ask our sexologist

 

Print this article

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent