For over six decades, the responsibility of contraception has largely rested on women. Currently, women have access to more than 14 modern contraceptive methods, whereas men are limited to only two options: condoms and vasectomies. This disparity has compelled women to endure various physical side effects, financial burdens, and career implications associated with family planning. However, a significant shift is underway as men are increasingly expressing a desire to engage in contraceptive choices, and scientific advancements are beginning to catch up.
The Emerging Market for Male Contraceptives
Recent developments indicate that multiple male contraceptives are currently in clinical trials, with some expected to gain approval within the next few years. This evolution presents not only a vital public health opportunity but also a lucrative business prospect in modern healthcare. The potential market for male contraception is estimated to be worth $25 billion.
In the United States alone, there are approximately 70 million sexually active men aged 19 to 60. A landmark survey involving 6,313 men revealed that 82% would be willing to try a new male contraceptive at some point in their lives, while 49% would consider using one within a year of its market launch. Even in a conservative scenario, this equates to around 34.3 million potential users in the U.S. alone. Estimates suggest there could be 17 million early adopters, and capturing just a fraction of this interest could lead to substantial revenue. For instance, if male contraceptives achieved 5 million prescriptions annually, it could generate more than $10 billion in recurring revenue.
Globally, the opportunity expands even further. With around 2.5 billion sexually active men worldwide, interest in male contraceptives appears to be particularly strong in regions such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Australia. A report from Amboy St. Ventures characterizes male contraception as one of the largest untapped markets in women’s health. Investors have often underestimated the sexual health sector, despite its proven commercial viability. Notable successes such as Viagra and Cialis, which achieved annual revenues of $1.8 billion and $2.5 billion respectively, underscore this potential. Furthermore, Truvada for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis generated approximately $3 billion for Gilead in 2018, demonstrating the significant financial impact of sexual health products.
Digital Health and Male Contraception
The rise of telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape, providing new avenues for men to access health services. Companies like Hims & Hers, which is valued at $8.7 billion, have successfully targeted men’s health issues, including erectile dysfunction and hair loss, proving that men will seek healthcare when it is accessible and discreet. The early adopters of male contraceptives are likely to be digitally savvy, preferring to search for information and services online rather than relying on traditional healthcare routes.
During a recent episode of the podcast Cheeky Pint, Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, emphasized the efficiency of telehealth solutions, stating that “the diagnosis step [is] dead easy.” He went on to illustrate how straightforward conditions and clear feedback loops facilitate remote care. Male contraception aligns perfectly with this model, requiring no complex diagnosis—simple at-home sperm checks can verify the effectiveness of the method.
As interest in male contraception continues to grow, the combination of scientific advancements and changing societal attitudes could reshape the landscape of family planning. This emerging sector represents a significant opportunity for both public health and business, paving the way for men to share the responsibility of contraception and offering companies a chance to tap into a previously overlooked market.
