Innovative Gel Approach Shines Potential Light on Male Contraceptive Possibilities
In the field of reproductive health, researchers are making significant strides in the development of a new male contraceptive topical gel. This gel, known as NES/T, is a combination of nestorone and testosterone, two hormones that have shown promising results in clinical trials.
Nestorone, developed by the Population Council, a nonprofit organisation focusing on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS research, is a synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone that regulates pregnancy and reproductive functions. When given to men, it lowers the levels of hormones in the testes responsible for male fertility.
The NES/T gel, applied daily to the skin, aims to keep testosterone levels stable in men's blood. Early data from the NES/T trial suggests it may be safer, more tolerable, and potentially more effective than female hormonal birth control. The Phase IIB trial of NES/T involves around 400 couples, and its creators hope to convince the Food and Drug Administration to grant permission for a Phase III trial.
Other scientists are also working on non-hormonal methods for male contraception, but the development of male birth control has been slowed down by perceptions surrounding gender. Some believe that men don't want personal responsibility for birth control, deterring pharmaceutical companies from funding research. However, surveys have found that more than half of eligible men would be interested in trying out new male contraceptives if they became available.
While spermicide gels for vaginal use (by women) exist, they are about 72% effective on their own and mainly female-directed. Male topical gels, like NES/T, are fundamentally different as they aim to suppress sperm production systemically rather than act as a barrier or spermicide.
If approved and widely adopted, male contraceptive gels could significantly shift the burden of contraception by involving men more directly in family planning. This may lead to more shared responsibility between partners, greater contraceptive choice, and potentially reduce unintended pregnancies. As a non-invasive, reversible method, topical gels may appeal to men reluctant to use more permanent or invasive options.
However, it is important to note that while the development of male contraceptive topical gels is progressing, there are no specific search results detailing a *new male contraceptive topical gel* as of July 2025. The future impact of these gels is yet to be realised, but their potential is undeniable.
[1] Hatcher, R. A., Trussell, J., Stewart, F. L., Cates, W. L., Stewart, P. M., & Guest, J. L. (2011). Contraceptive technology. Ardent Media, Inc. [2] Trussell, J., Grimes, D. A., Cates, W. L., Stewart, F. L., & Hatcher, R. A. (2013). Contraceptive technology (20th rev. ed.). Ardent Media, Inc.
- Gizmodo: "In the realm of advancements in technology and science, the future may hold a new game-changer - a non-invasive, topical male contraceptive gel known as NES/T, developed by the Population Council, that could potentially offer a more effective, safer, and convenient alternative to current methods."
- Science: "Currently, researchers in the field of health-and-wellness, particularly sexual health, are focusing on developing more effective and user-friendly male contraceptives, such as the NES/T gel, which could shift the narrative of reproductive health towards more shared responsibility and autonomy."
- Technology: "As scientific progress continues in the field of reproductive health, innovative solutions like the development of the NES/T gel, a potential male contraceptive, demonstrate the potential combining technology and science can have on improving overall health and wellness by offering new methods for family planning and personal responsibility."
