Most European Men Want New Contraception
A survey of 14,000 men across seven European countries found that over half would start using a novel male contraceptive within 12 months of approval, but funding gaps are delaying their release
A recent survey of 14,000 men across seven European countries has found that most would try new contraception methods if available. The survey, which covered Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, revealed that over half of the men polled would start using a novel male contraceptive within 12 months of approval.
The level of interest in new contraception methods varied slightly between countries, with 55% of men in Sweden saying they would start using a novel male contraceptive within 12 months of approval, compared to 69% in the United Kingdom. However, the overall trend was clear, with only 9% of surveyed men saying they would never use a novel male contraceptive.
The survey also found that a non-hormonal pill taken 30 minutes before sex was the most preferred product among men in every country surveyed. Additionally, a third of men willing to use male contraception would do so within three months of the product being available on the market.
Currently, there are eight novel male contraceptive products under development in clinical trials, including on-demand pills, daily pills, and hormonal gels. However, the main barrier to these products reaching the market is funding. According to researchers, the lack of investment from the pharmaceutical industry has hindered the development of new male contraception methods.
## Why it matters The development of new male contraception methods is important because it could give men more control over their reproductive health. Currently, the majority of contraceptive methods available are designed for women, and men have limited options. The availability of new male contraception methods could also help to reduce the burden on women and promote greater equality in reproductive health.
The survey's findings suggest that there is a strong demand for new male contraception methods, and that men are willing to use them if they are available. However, the funding gap must be addressed in order to bring these products to market. With the right investment, it is possible that new male contraception methods could become available in the near future, giving men and women more options for controlling their fertility.
