Reproductive health can only be ensured through the development of reversible, long-term and marketable contraceptives.
Condoms are still the only available and easy-to-use contraceptive method for men*. It is special because it prevents both pregnancy and STIs. With a good Pearl Index, it also proves to be a reliable contraceptive method. However, the condom also has disadvantages: many men criticize its inconvenient and non-long-term use.
There are currently no clinical studies on alternative contraceptive methods for men* in Germany. Why isn't anything happening? Why is nothing happening?
In 2011, due to unexpectedly widespread side effects, the initially successful WHO clinical trial was suspended.
At that time, the effectiveness of a hormonal contraceptive was determined, however, no pharmaceutical company or the WHO is currently involved in contraceptive research. Focusing on the pharmaceutical industry, their interest in driving research in this field is very low. They do not see any profitable source in the development of new contraception methods.
Moreover, men's* fertility is still seen socially as an instrument of potency and power. A change within society that overcomes outdated and toxic images of masculinity is long overdue. It requires sex education on contraception focusing on men* and their fertility.
Both policymakers and pharmaceutical companies must cooperate to ensure the development of new contraceptive methods for men*, which are merchantable, for long-term use, with a low Pearl-Index as well as few risks and side effects.
Methoden
Das Kondom ist ein Barriere-Verhütungsmittel, das vor dem Geschlechtsverkehr auf den erigierten Penis gezogen wird.
Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question precisely ourselves. The launch of reversible and long-term contraceptives for men* depends on the already existing clinical trials and their results. The interest of the pharmaceutical industry and of investors for medical products will certainly have an impact as well. With an optimistic vision for the future, we expect to be seeing contraceptives for men* in 2030 at the earliest.
From our point of view, there are several reasons as to why no contraceptives for men* have been developed in the last 60 years. First, medicine and research focused on the female body carrying the pregnancy. Patriarchal structures and the traditional gender roles of men* and women* further reinforced the development of contraceptives, which can still be felt in our social perception today. Pharmaceutical companies, which are essential in developing new contraceptives, still perceive no or hardly any demand for contraceptive methods for men*. Last but not least, the issue has not yet been adressed in the political agenda of nation states and international organizations.
Basically, there are only two options for men* to use contraception - condoms or vasectomy. However, you can also take responsibility by talking to your partner and asking questions about the well-being and comfort with the use of contraception. Last but not least you can take responsibility by sharing the costs in a fair manner, or advocating for the reproductive rights of men*.
Many different methods for men* are currently being evaluated. You can find the different contraceptive methods that are currently being researched and in development in our glossary.
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