Male Birth Control in Development: Every Option Explained

Published October 23, 2026 · Investigational · Not approved

For decades men have had two contraceptive options: condoms and vasectomy. Several new approaches are now in human trials. Here's what each is and where it stands. All are investigational and unapproved.

YCT-529 (oral pill, non-hormonal)

Developer: YourChoice Therapeutics. YCT-529 is designed to block retinoic acid receptor-alpha, which is involved in sperm production [1]. Phase 1a completed in 2024 [2]; a Phase 1b/2a study is listed as recruiting [3].

NES/T (daily gel, hormonal)

Developer: Contraline, licensed from the Population Council/NICHD program. The gel combines segesterone acetate (Nestorone) with testosterone, aiming to suppress sperm production while keeping testosterone at normal levels [4]. In a 2024 conference abstract, 86% of 222 evaluated participants reached the study's sperm-suppression threshold during treatment [5]. Phase 2b is complete and Phase 3 is anticipated in 2027 [4].

ADAM (hydrogel implant, non-hormonal)

Developer: Contraline. A water-soluble hydrogel is placed in the vas deferens to block sperm transport, intended as long-lasting but not permanent [6]. The first-in-human study of 25 men in Australia is listed as completed [7], and Contraline reported approval for a Phase 2 study in Australia [6].

Comparing them

	YCT-529	NES/T	ADAM
Form	Daily pill	Daily gel	Implant
Hormonal?	No	Yes	No
Furthest stage	Phase 1b/2a	Phase 2b done	Phase 2 approved
Approved?	No	No	No

Results so far come from small or mid-size studies; larger trials are needed before anyone can say how well these work or how safe they are.

This article is news and education, not medical advice. No male contraceptive described here is approved. Get notified of updates.

Male Birth Control in Development: Every Option Explained

YCT-529 (oral pill, non-hormonal)

NES/T (daily gel, hormonal)

ADAM (hydrogel implant, non-hormonal)

Comparing them

Sources