Project Summary
Despite the availability of a number of female contraceptives, the unintended pregnancy rate is significant. The need and demand for new male contraceptive options has grown, and various methods are in development. Resources are available to keep up on the latest information on male contraceptive development.
- An estimated 85 million unintended pregnancies occur annually worldwide, with 50% ending in abortion and 13% in miscarriage.
- Male and female contraceptive methods are often used inconsistently or discontinued, accounting for 33 million of the unintended pregnancies worldwide.
- Few male contraceptive options currently exist (condoms, vasectomy, withdrawal), each with significant disadvantages.
- With demand and acceptance of new male contraceptives growing, a number of potential options are being studied but none have yet made it to market.
- Parsemus Foundation has a history of significant advocacy and financial support for non-hormonal male contraception, including support of the Clean Sheets pill, ultrasound, Gandarusa, and Vasalgel.
Project Topics
Men need more contraception options
Did you know that more than 85 million unintended pregnancies happen worldwide each year? With only condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal as contraceptive options, men have limited choices to control their reproduction. Demand for a non-hormonal, highly effective contraceptive for men is increasing, with use expected to reduce the incidence of unplanned pregnancy.
The Parsemus Foundation has supported and promoted work on the Clean Sheets pill, ultrasound, Gandarusa, and other contraceptives as well as allocating most of the Foundation’s effort toward the development of Vasalgel.
Take Action
Do your homework when selecting male or female contraception to fully understand the pros and cons of each method. Keep in mind that the “failure” rate usually refers to perfect compliance with instructions, and actual experience often involves far more unintended pregnancies. If you are interested in new, non-hormonal contraception methods, consider donating to the Male Contraception Initiative or Vasalgel. You can stay abreast of new developments and clinical trials at the links below.
Additional Resources
- For information on male contraceptives, and to lend your voice to advocacy initiatives: Male Contraception Initiative.
- See details about our past work on ultrasound and the Clean Sheets Pill.
- Visit the Revolution Contraceptives website for information on Vasalgel.
- For details on a wide array of male (and female) contraceptives, check out the Contraceptive Technology Innovation Exchange, the searchable contraceptive pipeline database Calliope, and Your Life for tools comparing all available options based on your personal criteria.
- For a recent overview of male contraceptive research and methods in the pipeline:
- Abbe CR, Page ST, Thurumalai T. (2020). Male contraception. Yale J Bio Med. 93(4):603-613. Free full text.
Human Health News
Androgens hold promise for breast cancer treatment
Androgens, such as testosterone, are commonly considered male hormones but they are also present in lower levels in women. Researchers from the University of Adelaide
Reproductive rights advance in Argentina
Years of grassroots efforts to support women’s reproductive rights was recently successful in legalizing abortion in Argentina. Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernández, was a supporter and
Veterinarians debate impact of spay/neuter
Recent publications by researchers at the University of California, Davis on the risks to dogs of joint disorders, cancers, and incontinence following spay or neuter
Androgens hold promise for breast cancer treatment
Androgens, such as testosterone, are commonly considered male hormones but they are also present in lower levels in women. Researchers from the University of Adelaide
Reproductive rights advance in Argentina
Years of grassroots efforts to support women’s reproductive rights was recently successful in legalizing abortion in Argentina. Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernández, was a supporter and
Veterinarians debate impact of spay/neuter
Recent publications by researchers at the University of California, Davis on the risks to dogs of joint disorders, cancers, and incontinence following spay or neuter
All progestins are not the same for menopausal hormone therapy
Hormone therapy alleviates symptoms of menopause, but fear of an increased risk of breast cancer deters some women and physicians from its use. Research has