In 2024, the largest global survey on male contraception was published, covering over 15,000 men worldwide — including 3,070 in the United States. This survey confirmed that interest in male contraception is notably high: 82% of American men reported they would be willing to use a new male contraceptive at some point in their lives.

One of the survey’s primary aims was to identify which types of male contraception men prefer. The top five methods, in descending order of demand, were:

• On-demand pill (23%)
• Daily pill (18%)
• On-demand dermal gel (13%)
• Vas-occlusive (12%) - implant placed in the vas deferens
• Daily dermal gel (4%)

An additional 11% said they would use a new male contraceptive but not one of these five methods as their first choice.

For the first time, we are sharing deeper insights into the lifestyles and characteristics of men that would lead them to potentially choose one method over another.

Background Information

In 2023 (post-Dobbs), 3,070 fertile, cisgender, heterosexual men ages 18–60 were surveyed in the United States. We analyzed the survey data with respect to age, education, income, relationship duration, cohabitation status, sexual activity, current contraceptive use, and attitudes toward women’s health. Each respondent was categorized according to his #1 male contraceptive preference, focusing on the five methods listed above.

Age, Education, and Income

• Age: Men who would use a male contraceptive were represented across all age groups with men aged 25-44 being the most interested. Men who preferred the daily dermal gel were notably younger than those who preferred other methods (62% under age 34 vs. an average of 51%). Men who preferred vas-occlusive methods had the highest uptake at ages 25–44 (67% vs. an average of 53%).
• Education: The majority of men (90%) who expressed interest in new male contraceptive methods—regardless of type—have at least a high school degree.
• Income: Men who would use a male contraceptive were well represented across all income levels; the largest concentrations, however, were from men making $30,000 to $60,000 and men making more than $100,000. Men who prefer daily methods (both pill and gel) tend to be higher earners, making over $60,000 (57% vs. an average of 50%). Conversely, 55% of men who prefer vas-occlusive methods earn less than $60,000. Men who do not want to use a novel male contraceptive are more likely to earn under $30,000 (29%) compared to men who chose one of the five methods (average of 23%).

Relationship and Cohabitation Status

• Men who prefer vas-occlusive methods are more likely to be married or living with their partner (49% vs. an average of 41%).
• Men who prefer the daily gel are less likely to be married or cohabitating (35% vs. an average of 41%).
• 71% of men who prefer the daily gel have been in relationships for fewer than five years (vs. an average of 60%).

Contraception Use and Sexual Activity

• Overall, men who desire new male contraceptives tend to be users of modern contraception, with condoms being the most common method. Men who prefer the daily gel (87%) and vas-occlusive (85%) currently use more modern contraception than men who prefer other methods (average of 78%). Meanwhile, men not interested in new male contraceptives are two times more likely to not be using modern contraception.
• Men who prefer vas-occlusive methods and the daily gel report higher sexual activity (daily or several times per week) (51% and 44%, respectively, vs. an average of 41%). Men interested in on-demand methods or the daily pill were more likely to have sex several times a month or once a month or less, and men unwilling to adopt any new male contraceptive are the least sexually active.

Role of Partners and Women’s Health

• Men who prefer vas-occlusive methods stand out in that they are significantly more likely to want their own contraceptive method regardless of whether their partner is using a female method (68% vs. an average of 43%).
• Those preferring vas-occlusive methods and daily gel are more likely to believe that female contraceptives negatively impact women’s health (42% and 39%, respectively, vs. an average of 31%), whereas only 20% of men who prefer the daily pill share that view.

Rate of Adoption

• Men who prefer vas-occlusive methods show the most willingness to adopt their top method in the first year it is available (75% vs. an average of 61%), followed by the daily gel at 71%.
• Despite the daily pill and on-demand pill having higher overall demand, men who preferred these methods showed more hesitance to begin their use as their first-year uptake is lower (61% and 56%, respectively).

Summary

These data highlight both the similarities and differences among men who prefer specific forms of male contraception.

One notable finding from the survey is that men who desire vas-occlusive or daily gel had the highest willingness to use within the first year they are available. Men preferring these methods report being more sexually active, more likely to be using modern forms of contraception, and hold stronger concerns about female contraceptive methods. Where they differ – their age, incomes, marital status, and length of their relationship – may suggest why one would choose one of those methods over the other.

Ultimately, there is high interest in all male contraceptives across all demographics. This underscores the importance of developing multiple types of male contraceptive methods to give the public the broadest possible range of options and have the highest likelihood of impact.

Thank you to the research teams at Alstonia Impact, Outsight4Development, and DesireLine as well as the funding from the Gates Foundation and the Male Contraceptive Initiative for conducting this important work.