Male Contraceptive Pill

NHS Direct Online Health Encyclopaedia

Introduction
At present the male contraceptive pill is not available. Although research continues, no male oral contraceptive has yet been proven to be completely safe and reliable.

The latest research suggests that a daily male oral contraceptive pill combined with a monthly testosterone (male hormone) injection may be available in the near future.

How does it work?
The latest British research by scientists at the Centre for Reproductive Biology at Edinburgh University is based on a daily progestogen (female hormone) pill taken orally, combined with a monthly injection of testosterone. The progestogen stops sperm production and the testosterone counteracts side-effects such as reduced libido (sex drive) and bone thinning.

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