Expert Available: Male Birth Control Pills Soon a Reality?
For decades, birth control pills have been used exclusively by women, but times may be changing. A recent study reported that a potential male birth control pill had passed human safety tests. Mike Hsieh, MD, director of the Men’s Health Center at UC San Diego Health, is available to talk about male contraception and other options men have right now.
“Oral contraception for men has been in the works for years but has never really caught on, but it’s a large, unmet market,” said Hsieh. “The question of whether the current generation will accept the male partner’s role in birth control is yet to be determined.”
Other topics for discussion:
- Testosterone works as male birth control, but adverse side effects have made it not an ideal contraception. Other hormonal combinations, such testosterone and progesterone, are being investigated.
- Vasectomy is the most effective form of male contraception. A reversible form involving a gel injection is under development.
- Social issues surrounding male birth control, such as, “Will men remember to take it?”
Background: UC San Diego Health is the only medical center in the region focused on complete male health. The Men’s Health Center is uniquely positioned to tackle overlooked health conditions that men face. Learn more https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/urology/areas-expertise/male-sexual-health.
Media Contact: Michelle Brubaker, 858-249-0456, [email protected]
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