New Male Contraceptive Methods Advanced in Trials
Researchers are testing multiple hormone-free pills and injectable gels that aim to temporarily suppress sperm production.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Men’s Health
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Clinical trials are underway for several experimental male contraceptive methods, including hormone-free pills and a hydrogel injection procedure. These developments reflect ongoing research to expand the options available for male reproductive health.
Why it matters
Expanding the range of contraceptive options for men could significantly alter family planning and reproductive health management. Interest in these methods has grown among U.S. men, with surveys indicating that 61 percent of men are willing to try new forms of birth control.
In a Phase 2b trial of the hormonal gel NES/T involving 222 men, 86 percent reached sperm suppression targets. Other preliminary research includes a Phase 2 trial of the NLS-133 pill with 10 men and a safety trial of the YCT-529 pill involving 16 men.
The players
NEXT Life Sciences
A biotechnology company focused on developing hormone-free male contraceptive pills like NLS-133.
YourChoice Therapeutics
A developer of hormone-free contraceptive solutions, including the experimental daily pill YCT-529.
The details
The PausePill, or NLS-133, is designed to temporarily prevent sperm from entering ejaculation for a 24-hour period. Separately, the Plan A procedure uses a hydrogel injected into the sperm-carrying tubes to create a physical barrier. Developers are currently working to ensure that the Plan A method remains fully reversible for users.
Timeline
Week 15 marked the point when 86 percent of NES/T trial participants reached sperm suppression.
Health Landscape
These clinical trials follow a documented trend of increasing U.S. interest in male contraceptive options, which rose by 39 to 49 percent following the 2022 Supreme Court decision. The current research aims to move beyond traditional barrier methods toward systemic and mechanical alternatives.
While these contraceptive methods show potential in trials, they remain experimental and are not yet available for public use. If you have questions regarding family planning or the current standard of care, it is worth discussing options with your primary care physician or a urologist.
The takeaway
Ongoing research is actively testing new ways to manage male fertility through pharmacological and physical interventions. Until these methods are clinically proven and available, stay informed on reproductive health guidelines by speaking regularly with your doctor about your current family planning needs.
Further reading
For more information on reproductive health and family planning, visit our Men’s Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VICE.
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