For over six decades, the responsibility of contraception has predominantly rested on women, leaving them with more than 14 modern options, while men have only two: condoms and vasectomies. This longstanding imbalance has resulted in women facing physical side effects, financial burdens, medical risks, and career impacts associated with family planning. However, a significant shift is underway. Men are increasingly expressing a desire to engage in family planning, and advancements in science are paving the way for new male contraceptive options.
Emerging Market Potential
The market for male contraception presents a staggering opportunity, estimated at around $25 billion. In the United States alone, approximately 70 million sexually active men aged 19 to 60 could be potential users of male contraceptives. A recent survey involving 6,313 men revealed that 82% are open to trying a new male contraceptive at some point in their lives, with 49% willing to do so within a year of its market introduction. This interest translates to a potential user base of 34.3 million men, with estimates suggesting that up to 17 million could be early adopters.
If even a fraction of these interested individuals engage with a new male contraceptive, the financial implications could be substantial. For instance, achieving just 5 million prescriptions annually in the U.S.—a figure that represents half the number of women currently using the Pill—could generate over $10 billion in recurring revenue. The global landscape is even more promising, with around 2.5 billion sexually active men worldwide expressing high levels of interest in male contraceptive options, particularly in regions such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Australia.
According to Amboy St. Ventures, male contraception is highlighted as one of the largest untapped markets in women’s health. Despite being frequently underestimated by investors, the sexual health category has consistently demonstrated its commercial viability. Products like Viagra and Cialis have achieved blockbuster status, generating annual revenues of $1.8 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Furthermore, Truvada, utilized for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, reportedly generated approximately $3 billion for Gilead in 2018, showcasing the potential of sexual health products.
Telemedicine and Digital Accessibility
The rise of telemedicine presents a unique opportunity for male contraception to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape. Companies like Hims & Hers, currently valued at $8.7 billion, have successfully targeted men’s health needs, addressing issues such as erectile dysfunction and hair loss. This success highlights a critical insight: men are willing to seek healthcare solutions when they are accessible, discreet, and convenient.
The early adopters interested in male contraception are likely to be digitally savvy. They may not require a doctor’s recommendation to explore new contraceptive options; instead, they will actively seek information online. On a recent episode of the podcast Cheeky Pint, Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, explained that the effectiveness of remote care for GLP-1 medications hinges on straightforward diagnoses and clear feedback loops. Male contraception perfectly fits this model as it does not necessitate complex medical evaluations. Simple at-home sperm checks can provide reassurance that a chosen method is effective.
As the demand for male contraceptives grows, the healthcare industry stands at a pivotal moment. The anticipated approval of several new male contraceptives could reshape the landscape of family planning, empowering men to take an active role in reproductive health and potentially leading to significant financial gains for companies involved in this emerging market.
