Radio Atlantic

Finally, Male Contraceptives

May 16, 2024

Researchers are working on various male contraceptives like a hormone-free pill, reversible injection, and topical gel. The focus is on easy, convenient options with minimal side effects, unlike women's contraceptives. The podcast discusses the implications of readily available male contraceptives and their impact on men's health care.

27:16

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Quick takeaways

Male contraceptives aim for convenience and few side effects.

Research explores equitable contraception, shifting family planning dynamics.

Deep dives

Advancing Science of Male Birth Control

The podcast delves into the rapidly advancing science of male birth control. Researchers are exploring various methods to make contraception more equitable between genders, aiming to distribute the responsibility of family planning. By involving both sperm and egg perspectives, the effectiveness of birth control can be enhanced through combined methods. Male participants in trials express a desire to alleviate the burden on women who traditionally handle contraception logistics, costs, and side effects.

Introduction

3min

Exploring the Shift Towards Male Contraceptives for Equity

2min

Advancements in Male Contraception

8min

Challenges in Male Contraceptives and Cultural Barriers

2min

Redefining Masculinity in Contraceptive Use

3min

Male Contraceptives: Shifting Responsibility and Societal Impacts

9min

Researchers have been hard at work on a number of male contraceptives that could hit the market in the next couple of decades. Options include a hormone-free birth control pill, an injection that accomplishes the same thing as a vasectomy but is easily reversible, and a topical gel men can rub on their shoulders that doesn’t affect mood or libido.

There is a recurring theme in the research on male contraceptives: easy, convenient, minimal side effects. Which is very much not the focus of women’s contraceptive options. What changes in a future in which male contraceptives are readily available, and a routine part of men’s health care? We talk to staff writer Katie Wu.

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Radio Atlantic

Finally, Male Contraceptives

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Advancing Science of Male Birth Control

New Male Contraception Methods

Cultural and Gender Barriers in Contraception

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts