Contraception - injections for men

Injectable contraception for men is not yet available in Australia, but clinical studies suggest the combination of the hormones testosterone and progesterone might provide a safe, effective and reversible method of male contraception in the future.

Current research

A large-scale, international clinical trial of a hormone-based form of male contraception is being conducted across seven countries, including Australia, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and CONRAD (connected to Eastern Virginia Medical School).

The study is testing a hormone combination treatment to suppress sperm production in a reliable and reversible way. Participants are given an injection of the hormones testosterone and progestogen (a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone) every eight weeks.

The study will test the effectiveness of this approach to male contraception over a 12-month period and carefully monitor the health of participants. Even if the findings from this study are successful, it will be several years before this or similar methods of male contraception are available to the public.

Previous clinical studies

An Australian clinical study completed in 2003 tested 55 men over a 12-month period. A hormone implant of testosterone was inserted under the skin every four months and an injection of progestogen was given every three months. None of the female partners of the men tested became pregnant. All participants maintained their normal energy and libido (sex drive) levels.

Suitability

Male hormonal contraception might, in the future, be a viable and acceptable form of contraception for some people. It would most likely be best suited to couples in a stable relationship seeking an alternative method of contraception.

This form of contraception would not provide any protection from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as HIV and Chlamydia.

Advantages

Male contraception in the form of an injection has advantages. It would:

• Give men a new, reversible and alternative method of contraception they could control themselves
• Offer an alternative to vasectomy in men and tubal ligation in women (neither of which are reliably reversible)
• Provide an alternative for couples unable to use certain methods of female contraception, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill
• Allow men to share the responsibility for physical and psychological issues surrounding contraception, such as the financial costs and the need to see health professionals regularly.

Disadvantages

Male contraception in the form of an injection has disadvantages. It would:

• Offer no protection against HIV and other STIs
• Take about three to six months to work and a similar length of time to wear off
• Fail to suppress sperm levels in one in 25 men
• Possibly raise complex issues about the rights and responsibilities of men and women to regulate their fertility – for instance, some women might be apprehensive to trust a man to use a method they cannot ‘see’ in use
• Take many years to assess any long-term side effects.

Choosing the right contraceptive

Choosing contraception that is right for you requires accurate information and the ability to communicate openly with your partner. Issues such as effectiveness, safety and adverse effects must be weighed against convenience, cost and issues of trust and control.

Protect against STIs

The best way to reduce the risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as male and female condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anal or vulval area during oral sex). Condoms can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex (with other methods of contraception where required) to help prevent the spread of infections.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Family Planning Victoria Tel. 1800 013 952 or (03) 9257 0100

Things to remember

• Male contraception injections are being trialled in Australia, but are not yet available to the public.
• Current clinical studies suggest a combination of the hormones, testosterone and progesterone, might provide a safe, effective and reversible method of male contraception in the future.
• When choosing a method of contraception, it’s important to know all its advantages and disadvantages.

You might also be interested in:

• Contraception - choices.
  
• Contraception - condoms for men.
  
• Contraception - emergency contraception.
  
• Contraception - injections for men.
  
• Contraception - the Billings method.
  
• Contraception - vasectomy.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Family Planning Victoria

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: July 2011

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_injections_for_men?open">Contraception - injections for men - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Injectable contraception for men is not yet available in Australia, but clinical studies suggest the combination of the hormones testosterone and progesterone might provide a safe, effective and reversible method of male contraception in the future.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2013  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.