The development of a male contraceptive pill is becoming increasingly feasible, at least from a scientific perspective. In early March 2025, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy – in collaboration with Columbia University and YourChoice Therapeutics – published results outlining the foundation for the first non-hormonal male contraceptive pill, which is now set to enter clinical trials.
The pill, named YCT-529, is a non-hormonal oral contraceptive that works by blocking sperm production. After successful testing on mice and non-human primates, initial trials confirmed that YCT-529 was suitable for human studies. A phase 1 clinical trial was completed in 2024, and a second trial is currently underway to assess its safety and effectiveness.
So far, the results have been promising. In male mice, the drug caused temporary infertility within four weeks of use and proved 99% effective in preventing pregnancies. In non-human primates, sperm count was reduced by half after two weeks. There were no side effects in either group, and the effects were reversible. After discontinuing the drug, fertility in mice was restored within six weeks, while sperm count in primates returned to normal after 10-15 weeks.
Researchers believe that a safe and effective male contraceptive pill will not only offer more birth control options but also create a more equal distribution of family planning responsibilities and provide men with greater reproductive autonomy. Currently, most contraceptive options are primarily the responsibility of women. The University of Minnesota notes that of the 20 contraceptives approved by the FDA, only two are for men: condoms and vasectomy.
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