Recent announcements regarding progress made by the Lille Clinical Investigation and Technological Innovation Center on the "Steom" IUD-a so-called "male" device designed for individuals with testicles-have generated significant buzz. --- Can we finally hope to see a male contraceptive[1]reach the European market? --- The widespread coverage of this device-currently in the prototype stage-reflects the hope it offers for revitalizing the contraceptive market. Although the project has yet to undergo clinical trials and is unlikely to come to fruition for several years, it has reignited ongoing discussions about the search for new contraceptive methods.
Research moving at two speeds
First, it is worth noting that scientific research into male contraception has been underway since the last century, yet no device has successfully made it to market to date. While the lengthy and complex European market approval process is often cited as the reason, there is another reality that must be examined: gender bias in research.
Clinical trials must demonstrate not only that male contraception does not harm health but also that it does not impair fertility after use is discontinued. These are the very criteria that feminist groups have long highlighted regarding existing contraceptives designed for women. Current side effects range from allergic reactions and potential cardiac arrest to blood vessel dilation, contractions, pain, infections, and nutritional deficiencies; they also include incurable diseases (such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease) and irreversible bodily changes (affecting hormones, the thyroid, or the biliary system)-not to mention psychological effects and complications associated with the insertion or removal of the devices themselves when surgery is required. In light of all this, the Steom device appears to be a much healthier option, as it is presented as effective for three years, reversible within 48 hours, and hormone-free. Other projects are also currently being researched. Thermal contraception using an internal ring or external fabric, for instance, is awaiting further trials regarding long-term effects, and research into hormonal male contraception could also yield results.
The Steom method draws inspiration from vasectomy-a procedure seeing rising demand in France year after year-though vasectomy is prohibited for minors and is often viewed more as sterilization than contraception, given that its reversal is not 100% effective. While "tutorials" for making DIY contraception have also begun to appear, one might ask: why isn't there more large-scale research into male contraception?
An economic barrier
In 2025, the market for contraceptive pills was valued at over EUR16 billion[2], making them among the best-selling medications worldwide.
Despite the aforementioned side effects, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed to women on a massive scale-often with little regard for their health-to serve broader agendas: an increasingly profitable economic market, strategic demographic control, and the careful planning of pregnancies to avoid hindering overall productivity. Yet, even today, more than one in two women faces an unplanned pregnancy.
Given this situation, there is an urgent social need to develop contraceptive methods that do not consistently fall on women's shoulders; however, economic timelines do not align with this goal. There is little investment in the male contraception market because it is perceived as having low demand and low profitability. While simply making a method available does not guarantee widespread adoption, potential side effects are frequently cited by hesitant men as reasons to avoid it. Can we hope that research will simultaneously work to reduce the burden borne by women? If only.
Ness (UCL Marseille)
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[1]The terms "male" and "female" contraception used in this article refer to scientific research terminology, not to the users themselves, who may have diverse gender identities.
[2]"Contraceptive Pill Market Size Report," Fortune Business Insights, 2026.
https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Contraception-un-sterilet-sans-uterus-on-en-est-o
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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