One Small Pill for Man

“Don’t have sex,” warns his mother as he unpacks his last set of boxes. 

“But if you do, make sure you’re protected.”

“Protection.” It is an important but at times awkward conversation. I don’t think the question “where can I find condoms?” will be a real concern for most incoming Freshers. Colleges have stacks of them on standby, ready to be used. 

But if the human race is still here in 50 years, will students still be reaching for condoms?

Scientists’ discovery of the compound YCT-529 marks an exciting step on the road to reproductive freedom and equality. In late July, the compound was tested on healthy men for the first time in a study called ‘Safety and pharmacokinetics of the nonhormonal male contraceptive YCT-529’. 

This compound temporarily interferes with a protein that is essential for sperm production. Unlike traditional birth control pills, it does this without affecting the body’s testosterone levels or sex drive. Trials also showed it to be completely reversible across six weeks of stopping the pill. 

Furthermore, across all dosage levels up to 180 mg, no significant side effects appeared. 

For now, at least, the future of this compound looks optimistic. If successful, it would allow for non-hormonal, reversible, and – most importantly – safe male contraception. 

When it comes to hormonal contraception, reproductive responsibility has historically fallen onto women’s shoulders. Many young women take the pill, but the listed ‘side effects’ can be quite intimidating, and some women find themselves faced with a myriad of health-related issues when they stop taking it. 

So, this compound would be a breakthrough for people looking to explore new contraception alternatives.  

A 2023 article in The Independent said that more than half of men would be open to the idea of hormonal contraception. Back then, of course, there was no such thing. But with this new drug on the horizon, perhaps male hormonal contraception may become the new reality. 

The next hurdle would be to prove that repeat doses can be safely administered, and experts are hoping to launch the contraception by 2035. So even though it’s exciting, don’t rush to empty your condom drawer too soon.