The Slow Progress of Male Contraceptives

12min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

This chapter discusses the challenges and disparities in the development of male contraceptives. It explores the societal norms and gender roles that hinder progress, the limited funding and support, as well as the ongoing research on non-hormonal and hormonal methods. The chapter highlights the need for multiple approaches and the changing gender norms surrounding male contraceptives.

Despite research into a male contraceptive pill starting around the same time as its female counterpart, no product has ever made it to market. But that could soon change, with a new non-hormonal male pill entering human trials in the UK late last year. Ian Sample speaks to bioethicist Prof Lisa Campo-Engelstein of the University of Texas and Prof Chris Barratt from the University of Dundee about why male contraceptives have been so difficult to develop, and what kind of options are in the pipeline. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod