For decades, women have borne the brunt of responsibility when it comes to contraception—pills, patches, IUDs, implants, injections, diaphragms—the list goes on. Meanwhile, men’s options have remained limited to either condoms or permanent solutions like vasectomies. But now, scientific advancements are bringing a potential game-changer into the spotlight: male birth control pills.
It sounds revolutionary, doesn’t it? A daily pill for men that could prevent pregnancy, allowing couples to share the responsibility of family planning. Yet, as promising as this idea may seem, it raises an intriguing question: would women actually trust men to take it?
Let’s dig deep into the surprising truth about male birth control—where science currently stands, how society feels about it, and why trust is the real barrier that nobody is talking about.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough in Male Contraception
The concept of male birth control isn’t new. Scientists have been exploring it for decades, but the biological challenges have been far greater than expected.
Unlike the female reproductive cycle—which releases a single egg per month—men produce millions of sperm every day. Effectively suppressing sperm production without causing irreversible harm or serious side effects has been an ongoing struggle.
However, several recent clinical trials have shown promising results. Most notably:
- DMAU (Dimethandrolone undecanoate) – an oral contraceptive pill that lowers testosterone and sperm production while maintaining libido.
- 11β-MNTDC – another oral hormone-based pill with reversible effects, currently undergoing human trials.
- Non-hormonal options like ADAM (a gel-based delivery system) and RISUG (a reversible injectable contraceptive in India) are also making headlines.
These methods work by either temporarily stopping sperm production or preventing sperm from maturing enough to fertilise an egg. Importantly, most are reversible, with fertility returning once the pill or treatment is discontinued.
We’re closer than ever to a viable male contraceptive. But science is only one piece of the puzzle.
Are Men Willing to Take Birth Control?
In a 2017 global survey by the UN, 52% of men said they would be willing to take a birth control pill if it were available. More recent studies show a growing acceptance, particularly among younger generations.
Reasons men gave included:
- Wanting to share the burden of contraception with their partners.
- Distrust of female hormonal contraceptives due to side effects.
- A desire for more control over their reproductive choices.
However, willingness doesn’t always translate into action. Men may say they’ll take the pill, but will they remember to take it every day? Will they keep using it in the long term? And most importantly…
Would Women Trust Men to Take It?
This is the heart of the issue—and it’s deeply layered.
In relationships, especially those based on casual sex or early dating, trust plays a vital role in contraceptive decisions. Women are often told to “protect themselves,” and many feel uneasy relying solely on a partner’s word when it comes to something as life-changing as pregnancy.
A 2023 poll by YouGov revealed that only 34% of women said they would fully trust a man to take a birth control pill correctly. That means 66% either wouldn’t trust him at all or would want additional protection, like condoms or the pill.
The reasons are clear:
- Men don’t have to live with the consequences of pregnancy the same way women do—physically, emotionally, or legally.
- Some women fear dishonesty or forgetfulness. “What if he says he’s on it, but isn’t?”
- Others simply don’t believe men will take responsibility without being forced to.
It’s not just about biology. It’s about years of cultural conditioning that place the burden of birth control—and the risk of pregnancy—squarely on women’s shoulders.
The Double Standard of Side Effects
One of the reasons male birth control has taken so long to develop is because early trials were halted due to side effects like weight gain, mood swings, acne, and decreased libido.
Women around the world were outraged. After all, female birth control pills have caused those same side effects—and worse—for decades. Nausea, depression, blood clots, and even stroke are known risks, yet millions of women take them daily.
So why was the bar set higher for men?
This double standard has sparked global debates on gender equity in healthcare. Many argue that if we expect women to endure these effects, men should at least have the option to do the same. But others suggest that both genders deserve better, safer options—not just an equal share of side effects.
How Male Birth Control Could Shift the Power Dynamics
If male contraceptive pills become widely available and adopted, it could trigger a major shift in sexual health, relationships, and power dynamics. Consider the following possibilities:
1. Shared Responsibility
For once, both partners could actively contribute to preventing pregnancy. This could reduce the emotional and financial toll many women face when left to manage contraception alone.
2. Empowering Men
Male birth control could give men more control over their reproductive futures. For those who don’t want children—or not yet—it’s an empowering tool that could prevent unplanned fatherhood.
3. New Conversations Around Trust
Couples would need to have more open discussions about birth control, expectations, and trust. These conversations, while sometimes uncomfortable, can lead to stronger partnerships.
4. Less Pressure on Women
Fewer hormonal treatments, fewer invasive devices, fewer side effects. If men can safely take the pill, many women could finally find relief from the taxing burden of contraception.
But What If He Forgets to Take It?
This is a legitimate concern. Even among women, adherence to birth control pills isn’t perfect. Studies show that about 9% of women miss doses often enough to risk pregnancy. For men, the issue could be even more pronounced.
Without a daily routine (such as taking other medications or supplements), it might be easier to forget. And unlike condoms, where the action is directly tied to sex, a pill taken at breakfast has no immediate connection to the act of intimacy.
That’s why researchers are also working on long-acting options, like injections, implants, and gels, which reduce the chance of user error. But until those become standard, trust remains a major hurdle.
Contraceptive Equality or Contraceptive Confusion?
While the idea of male birth control is empowering, it also introduces complexity. Who should be responsible for birth control? Should both partners be on something? What happens if both stop without telling the other?
Imagine a couple where both are on the pill—her assuming he’s still taking it, and him assuming she is too. Suddenly, both are unprotected.
The only way to avoid these situations is with clear, honest communication, which isn’t always easy—especially in casual or new relationships.
Reactions from the Medical and Religious Communities
Medical experts are cautiously optimistic. Many believe that male birth control could significantly reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, especially among teenagers and young adults. But they stress the importance of proper education, follow-ups, and monitoring for side effects.
Religious groups are more divided. Some conservative organisations oppose all forms of artificial contraception, while others may support male contraceptives as a way to reduce abortion rates. Cultural attitudes also play a huge role, especially in parts of the world where male fertility is linked to masculinity.
The Future: A Pill, a Patch, or Something Else?
Scientists are racing to create not just effective, but also convenient and discreet male contraceptives. Here are a few options on the horizon:
- Male Birth Control Pill (DMAU or 11β-MNTDC) – Taken daily, similar to the female pill.
- Contraceptive Gel (Nestorone/Testosterone) – Applied to the shoulders daily, suppresses sperm production.
- RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) – A long-term injectable that blocks sperm flow, currently in advanced trials in India.
- Vasalgel – A U.S. version of RISUG undergoing animal testing.
- Non-hormonal pills or proteins – That block sperm function without affecting hormones.
The next 5–10 years could bring major shifts in the way we view male contraception.
So… Would You Trust Him?
It’s a question that can’t be answered with data alone. It depends on the person, the relationship, and the level of communication between partners.
Some women will trust their partners without hesitation. Others may prefer the certainty of managing contraception themselves. Some may choose a backup method. Ultimately, it comes down to choice, consent, and communication.
Final Thoughts: Progress with a Side of Caution
Male birth control is not a fantasy. It’s here, it’s being tested, and it could soon become a regular part of our lives. For many, it represents a long-overdue rebalancing of reproductive responsibility.
