Adam, Male Implantable Contraception
Hello there, Bestie! Today, we’re talking about birth control! Specifically, I wanted to chat about a new male implantable contraceptive option that is still undergoing studies (1). A part of me thought I’d never be typing those words because it is rare to come across male-centered birth control options. You might recall the last time there was a lot of chatter around a potential male birth control option was when a product being tested was discontinued because the male subjects were experiencing acne and mood swings, among other more serious side effects (2). Since then, I’ve heard rumblings of upcoming options, but nothing has seemed too promising. Let’s review some of the most popular birth control options that are available today and then discuss the Adam product!
What are some of the most popular options for birth control?
Barrier method birth control:
Male condom: The male condom is typically made of latex and fits snugly over the penis. The latex prevents the released sperm from moving into the vaginal canal by providing a barrier, which the sperm cannot penetrate.
Female condom: The female condom is typically made of polyurethane or nitrile. It is placed at the base of the vagina and extends into the vaginal canal. The condom catches any ejaculate that has been released, preventing it from moving into the vaginal canal.
Hormonal birth control:
Oral contraceptive pills: Oral contraceptive pills contain either estrogen or both estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) (3). They work by stopping the full development of the egg, making it difficult for the sperm and egg to connect, preventing fertilization (3). They also thicken the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to travel to the egg (3). Oral contraceptives pills typically need to be taken daily around the same time of day to reach maximal effectiveness.
Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD): These small T-shaped devices are implanted into the uterus and typically release progestin into the body. Hormonal IUDs, like the Mirena IUD, thicken cervical mucus, making it tough for sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it. They last 3-10 years, on average.
Non-hormonal birth control:
Copper IUD: The copper IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm swim so that they are unable to swim to the egg. This prevents fertilization from happening.
Surgical:
Tubal Ligation: This surgical procedure is more commonly referred to as “tying the tubes” or “tube tying.” For pregnancy to occur, an egg must move from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. In tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are closed so that an egg has no way to get to the uterus.
Vasectomy: A vasectomy is used to cut off the supply of sperm from the semen so that there is no sperm in the semen during ejaculation. It does this by cutting and sealing the vas deferentia tubes, which transport sperm from the epididymis (where sperm is stored) to the urethra before ejaculation.
Clearly, most of the contraceptive options currently available are focused on the female reproductive system. This is, in part, due to the fact that it is easier to impact a single egg than millions of sperm. However, there has been a recent outcry for more male contraceptive methods, as more and more partners aim to share the burden of birth control.
What is the Adam contraceptive method?
Adam is a non-hormonal male contraceptive option (1). It works by injecting a hydrogel into the vas deferens (1). The vas deferens, as we discussed above, is a tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. The male body has two vas deferentia, one on each side. Once in place, the hydrogel blocks sperm from traveling through the vas deferens. The hydrogel is meant to remain in place for years, making it comparable to the IUD contraceptive method for females. After its lifespan, the barrier liquifies and sperm can, once again, flow freely through the vas deferens. This means it is a reversible birth control method, unlike vasectomy.
Adam was tested last year (2024) in Australia among a small group of 25 males (4). The trial showed a 99.8% to 100% reduction in sperm movement (4). Further tests are expected to be done around the world, including in the USA, in 2025 and beyond with potential FDA approval by 2027, according to Adam’s cofounder (4). That’s pretty much all of the information we currently have on the Adam birth control method. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming trials go and how this method makes its way to the public in the future. I will keep you posted if I hear about any emerging evidence.
If you’re a male, would you try Adam to prevent your partner from becoming pregnant? Let me know what you think!
XOXO,
Your Pelvic Bestie
References:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/11/03/500549503/male-birth-control-study-killed-after-men-complain-about-side-effects
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/estrogen-and-progestin-oral-contraceptives-oral-route/description/drg-20069422
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mens-health/male-birth-control-gel-results-promising-rcna153349
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives
