Male contraceptive pill
It takes two to have a baby (well, most of the time) but preventing one often falls to women.
While many reliable contraception options exist for women, men’s choices have traditionally been limited to condoms or vasectomy. That may change in the future as early studies into a potential male contraceptive pill are showing encouraging results.
How does it work? (the science bit)
The compound under investigation, known as YCT529, works differently from hormonal contraception.
It targets a protein called retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α), which interacts with a form of vitamin A involved in sperm production. By blocking this pathway, the compound temporarily interferes with sperm development.
Initial research in mice found that YCT529 reduced fertility while treatment continued, without causing significant side effects. Since then, Phase 1 human safety trials have begun.
When could it become available?
Although progress is promising, YCT529 remains an experimental compound and is not yet approved for human use. Several more phases of testing will be required to confirm safety, effectiveness, and reversibility before any regulatory approval can occur.
Even under optimistic timelines, a commercially available male contraceptive pill is still expected to be several years away. Until then, condoms and vasectomy remain the only proven and accessible methods of male contraception.
References
American Chemical Society. A non-hormonal pill could soon expand men’s birth control options.
Medical Xpress (2025). Male birth control pill passes early safety test, with more trials underway.
Reuters Health (2025). Birth control pill for men moves closer to reality.
News-Medical (2025). Promising new male birth control pill could be taken every three days.
SciTechDaily (2025). Hormone-free male birth control pill enters human trials.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be used as medical advice or a substitute for your own practitioner’s advice, nor is it intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment for any illness/disease.
