A-Infos (en) France, UCL AL #374 - Anti-patriarchy - Contraception: an IUD for those without a uterus-where do things stand? (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

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)

Submit

[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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