More than six decades after the invention of the female birth control pill, men are still left with just two outdated options. But now, a groundbreaking innovation is bringing new hope for gender equality in contraception. Here’s what you need to know.
Men Still Have Only Two Options
When it comes to male birth control, the choices remain limited: condoms or vasectomy. Both have their limitations, and neither offers the kind of flexibility many men—and women—are hoping for.
ADAM – A New Non-Hormonal Approach for Men
Enter ADAM, a non-hormonal contraceptive developed by the US company Contraline. The method involves injecting a gel into the vas deferens, blocking sperm from mixing with semen.
A Step Toward Reproductive Equality
According to Dr. Anders Rehfeld, a fertility specialist, ADAM represents an important step toward giving men more control over their reproductive choices and balancing the responsibility between partners.
Promising Results From Early Studies
Early studies show ADAM has the potential to be effective for up to 24 months, offering a long-lasting, reversible alternative without the need for daily routines or hormones.
ADAM Enters Phase II Clinical Trials
The product has recently been approved for Phase II clinical trials, meaning it’s moving forward but still faces several years of testing before reaching pharmacy shelves.
Don’t Celebrate Just Yet, Say Experts
Dr. Rehfeld warns that, based on current progress, it could take up to eight years before ADAM is approved—if it successfully passes all required clinical stages.
Contraline Also Has a Hormonal Option in the Pipeline
Besides ADAM, Contraline is also developing a hormonal contraceptive for men—a gel applied to the skin, which has already entered Phase III trials, the final stage before market approval.
Hormonal Gel Shows Fast Sperm Suppression
Studies on the hormonal gel showed that after just four months of daily use, 86% of male participants experienced significantly reduced sperm counts.
Risks and Concerns With Hormonal Methods
Despite progress, the hormonal approach has raised concerns about side effects and long-term hormonal balance in men, which is why non-hormonal alternatives like ADAM are receiving so much attention.
For Now, It’s Still Condoms and Vasectomy
Until new options pass all regulatory hurdles, men will have to stick with the classic methods—but research is finally catching up after decades of stagnation in male contraception.
This article is based on information from Woman