Male Contraceptive Research Articles

Still no pill for men? Double standards & demarcating values in biomedical research

Double standards are widespread throughout biomedicine, especially in research on reproductive health. One of the clearest cases of double standards involves the feminine gendering of reproductive responsibility for contraception and the continued lack of highly effective, reversible methods for cisgender men. While the biomedical establishment accepts diversity and inclusion as important social values for clinical trials, their continued use of inequitable standards undermines their ability to challenge unfair social hierarchies by developing male contraception. Thus, the gender/sex bias present in contraceptive research raises the “New Demarcation Problem”: If we accept that values can and will play important roles in science, how can we nevertheless distinguish positive influences of values from more corrosive bias? I argue that biomedical researchers ought to aim their clinical trials at equity and utilize methodologies that actually achieve that aim. More specifically, I contend that we can avoid the problem of double standards by gender/sex in contraceptive research by utilizing more equitable standards. My demarcation strategy captures dynamic interplay between values and their effects, with direct policy implications for institutions conducting, funding, and evaluating clinical trials. For male contraceptive trials, this involves shifting risk assessment from an individual model to a shared model for sexual partners.

Catalyzing momentum in male contraceptive development†.

Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Male contraceptives offer the potential to decrease unintended pregnancy and introduce contraceptive equity, but decades of research have yet to bring a novel product to market. New funding avenues from the philanthropic sector seek to stimulate research in male contraceptives through investments, grants, and support for trainees alongside other programs that encourage product development and ultimately commercialization. This Forum outlines the purpose of and funding opportunities provided by Male Contraceptive Initiative, a funding agency and non-profit focused on the advancement of non-hormonal, reversible contraceptive technologies for those who produce sperm.

Increased mitochondrial activity upon CatSper channel activation is required for mouse sperm capacitation

To fertilize an oocyte, sperm must undergo several biochemical and functional changes known as capacitation. A key event in capacitation is calcium influx through the cation channel of sperm (CatSper). However, the molecular mechanisms of capacitation downstream of this calcium influx are not completely understood. Capacitation is also associated with an increase in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and several lines of evidence indicate that regulated calcium entry into mitochondria increases the efficiency of oxidative respiration. Thus, we hypothesized that calcium influx through CatSper during capacitation increases mitochondrial calcium concentration and mitochondrial efficiency and thereby contributes to sperm hyperactivation and fertilization capacity. To test this hypothesis, we used high-resolution respirometry to measure mouse sperm mitochondrial activity. We also measured mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP/ADP exchange during capacitation, and mitochondrial calcium concentration in sperm from wild-type and CatSper knockout mice. We show that the increase in mitochondrial activity in capacitated wild-type sperm parallels the increase in mitochondrial calcium concentration. This effect is blunted in sperm from CatSper knockout mice. Importantly, these mechanisms are needed for optimal hyperactivation and fertilization in wild-type mice, as confirmed by using mitochondrial inhibitors. Thus, we describe a novel mechanism of sperm capacitation. This work contributes to our understanding of the role of mitochondria in sperm physiology and opens the possibility of new molecular targets for fertility treatments and male contraception.

Protein kinases regulate hyperactivated motility of human sperm.

Protein kinases regulate hyperactivated motility of human sperm.

Natural Products with Potential for Nonhormonal Male Contraception.

Despite increased access to contraception over the last 60 years, unplanned pregnancies continue to contribute to economic disparities and overpopulation. Additionally, the burden of family planning falls primarily on women, as a reliable pharmaceutical male contraceptive has yet to be developed. The objective of this literature-based systematic review was to identify compounds for future study from natural sources with potential nonhormonal male contraceptive activity. After the exclusion of extracts and compounds with known hormonal mechanisms, 26 unique compounds were identified from natural species. The plant source, compound class, structure, target, mechanism of action, safety/toxicity profile, and in vitro, in vivo, and human studies for each compound were evaluated and discussed. β-Caryophyllene, embelin, oleanolic acid, triptonide, and N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) were selected as the five most promising compounds for future study using prespecified criteria such as number of studies, efficacy and safety profile, reversibility, and previous use in humans for any indication. In order to move forward with development of a male contraceptive from a natural source, additional studies are needed to determine the predicted safety and efficacy for in vivo and human clinical trials.

TSSK3, a novel target for male contraception, is required for spermiogenesis.

We have previously shown that members of the family of testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are post-meiotically expressed in testicular germ cells and in mature sperm in mammals. The restricted post-meiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggest that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the TSSK6 knock-out (KO) mice and of the double TSSK1/TSSK2 KO. The aim of this study was to develop KO mouse models of TSSK3 and to validate this kinase as a target for the development of a male contraceptive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the TSSK3 KO allele on B6D2F1 background mice. Male heterozygous pups were used to establish three independent TSSK3 KO lines. After natural mating of TSSK3 KO males, females that presented a plug (indicative of mating) were monitored for the following 24 days and no pregnancies or pups were found. Sperm numbers were drastically reduced in all three KO lines and, remarkably, round spermatids were detected in the cauda epididymis of KO mice. From the small population of sperm recovered, severe morphology defects were detected. Our results indicate an essential role of TSSK3 in spermiogenesis and support this kinase as a suitable candidate for the development of novel nonhormonal male contraceptives.

The role of humanin in the regulation of reproduction

Humanin, a mitochondria-derived peptide, has been found to exert variously protective function in many tissues, especially in the nervous tissues. However, relatively limited studies have focused on the role of humanin in the regulation of reproduction. Current observations indicate that humanin plays an important role in regulating the response of the cell to oxidative stress and apoptosis in ovaries and testes via the modulation of several signaling pathways, especially when the body is in an abnormal state. Even so, the detailed mechanism of humanin function needs to be explored urgently. In this passage, we demonstrate how humanin exerts its protective role in female and male reproduction and raise several questions that need further investigations. Given humanin's new frontier for the design of novel therapeutic approaches for male infertility, male contraception, female infertility, and glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome, it is worthy of further study on its protective effects and clinical applications in reproductive function

Blockade of GRTH/DDX25 Phosphorylation by Cyclic Peptides Provides an Avenue for Developing a Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive.

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH)/DDX25 is a DEAD-box RNA helicase essential for the completion of spermatogenesis. Our previous studies indicated that blocking the GRTH phospho-site or perturbing the GRTH/protein kinase A (PKA) interface could provide an avenue for developing a nonhormonal male contraceptive. In this study, cyclic peptides were rationally designed and synthesized as promising therapeutic agents. The peptides showed effective delivery into COS-1 and germ cells and a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on GRTH phosphorylation. The peptides inhibit GRTH phosphorylation in the presence of PKA, and binding to the helicase resulted in thermal stabilization of non-phospho GRTH. Increased efficiency in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay revealed their interaction with GRTH. Cyclic peptide exposure of cultures from mice seminiferous tubules resulted in significant inhibition of phospho GRTH. These peptides did not exhibit toxicity. Effective delivery and targeted decrease of in vitro expression of phospho GRTH by cyclic peptides provide a promising angle to develop effective compounds as a nonhormonal male contraceptive.

Mechanisms underlying spontaneous phasic contractions and sympathetic control of smooth muscle in the rat caudal epididymis.

Here we investigate mechanisms underlying spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs) and sympathetic control of contractility in the rat epididymis, a long tubular duct involved in transportation and maturation of sperm. Longitudinal contractions of short segments (~ 1.5mm) of rat proximal and distal caudal epididymal duct were measured + / - nerve stimulation. The extent of sympathetic innervation of these duct regions was determined by immunohistochemistry. Proximal caudal duct segments (150-300μm dia.) exhibited SPCs, while distal segments (350-500μm) were quiescent in ~ 80% of preparations. SPC amplitude and frequency were reduced by the L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (LVDCC) blocker nifedipine (1μM), with the T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (TVDCC) blocker ML218 (1μM) specifically decreasing SPC frequency. SPCs were inhibited upon blockade of the SR/ER Ca2+-ATPase (CPA 10μM). SPCs were also inhibited by caffeine (1μM), 2-APB (100μM), niflumic acid (100μM), or by lowering extracellular [Cl-] from 134.4 to 12.4mM but not by ryanodine (25μM) or tetracaine (100μM). Electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 2Hz for 60s caused a sustained α1-adrenoceptor-sensitive contraction in distal segments and enhanced and/or induced α2-adrenoceptor-sensitive oscillatory phasic contractions in proximal and distal segments, the latter mimicked by application of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. We hypothesise that SPCs in the proximal cauda are triggered by pacemaker mechanisms involving rhythmic IP3 receptor-operated SR/ER store Ca2+ release and resultant activation of CaCC with TVDCCs and possibly LVDCCs subserving in this process. Sympathetic nerve-released noradrenaline induces α2-adrenoceptor-mediated phasic contractions in the proximal and distal cauda. These findings provide new pharmacological targets for male infertility and contraception.

SPATA33 localizes calcineurin to the mitochondria and regulates sperm motility in mice

Calcineurin is a calcium-dependent phosphatase that plays roles in a variety of biological processes including immune responses. In spermatozoa, there is a testis-enriched calcineurin composed of PPP3CC and PPP3R2 (sperm calcineurin) that is essential for sperm motility and male fertility. Because sperm calcineurin has been proposed as a target for reversible male contraceptives, identifying proteins that interact with sperm calcineurin widens the choice for developing specific inhibitors. Here, by screening the calcineurin-interacting PxIxIT consensus motif in silico and analyzing the function of candidate proteins through the generation of gene-modified mice, we discovered that SPATA33 interacts with sperm calcineurin via a PQIIIT sequence. Spata33 knockout mice exhibit reduced sperm motility because of an inflexible midpiece, leading to impaired male fertility, which phenocopies Ppp3cc and Ppp3r2 knockout mice. Further analysis reveals that sperm calcineurin disappears from the mitochondria in the Spata33 knockout testis. In addition, immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that sperm calcineurin interacts with not only SPATA33 but also the mitochondrial protein VDAC2. These results indicate that SPATA33 localizes calcineurin to the mitochondria and regulates sperm motility.

P–047 Knowledge, professional attitudes and training of health professionals on male contraceptive methods

Abstract Study question Among health professionals involved in contraceptive prescribing, what are the knowledge, professional attitudes and training on male contraceptive methods? Summary answer The health professionals involved in prescribing contraception are not sufficiently trained in male contraception and almost all of them want more. What is known already The most recent large-scale studies show that 70% of couple contraception is provided by women and that the majority of men and women would be willing to adopt male contraception as couple contraception. The medicalization of contraception places the medical profession at the forefront of the acceptability of and information regarding a contraceptive method. However, only one study have evaluated health professionals’ knowledge of the various methods of male contraception (MC), including male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC). Study design, size, duration Between April 2020 and June 2020, we carried out a descriptive prospective multicentre study in a medical population of 2243 prescribers of couple contraception in France. Participants/materials, setting, methods The participants were obstetrician-gynaecologists, medical gynaecologists, general practitioners or midwives. They completed a three-part numerical questionnaire, including i) sociodemographic characteristics and personal experiences with contraception, ii) knowledge and professional attitudes about male contraception and iii) training on male contraception. Main results and the role of chance The overall participation rate was 19% (340/2243). Condoms and withdrawal were known by 98% and 89% of the population, respectively. Vasectomy was known by 75% of the population and significantly better known by obstetrician-gynaecologists than by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners (p = 0.026). Male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC) were known by 10% and 23% of the population, respectively, and were significantly better known by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners than by other specialties (p < 0.001). More than half (55%) of the population never or infrequently offered MC during a couple’s contraceptive request consultation. Female practitioners offered MC significantly more often than male practitioners (48% vs. 26%; p = 0.033). Only 14% of the population had ever participated in training on MC, 96% wished to be better trained on MC, and 86% expressed a willingness to participate in such a training. Limitations, reasons for caution The population was mainly representative of medical health practitioners of southeastern France. There was an over-representation of women in all medical specialties, except for midwives. Wider implications of the findings: Our study shows that health professionals involved in contraception have limited knowledge about MC and are eager to have more information about it. To advance the acceptability and dissemination of such contraceptive methods, it seems imperative to provide health professionals with an adapted training program on male contraception. Trial registration number 2020–01–23–03

Condom Use at Coitarche Among Men in Non-Steady Relationships in the United States, 2006–2013

PurposeUsing U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data from 2006 to 2013, we characterized men aged 15–44 years who reported not using a condom at their first vaginal intercourse (coitarche), while in a non-steady relationship with a female partner. MethodsMen who reported ever having intercourse were asked about male and female contraceptives used at coitarche. Analysis was restricted to respondents whose first sexual relationship was reported as non-steady, thereby comprising a population for whom condoms are recommended for preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Demographic and behavioral factors were examined against condom use, with significant associations included in multivariable logistic regression. We additionally describe young men’s receipt of various components of sex education prior to coitarche. ResultsNearly half (43%) of men aged 15–44 in the U.S. reported not using a condom at coitarche during a non-steady relationship. Among these men, coitarche was reported on average at 16 years old; more than one third (37%) endorsed mixed feelings or not wanting to have sex at the time. Older men (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.08), as with men from earlier National Survey of Family Growth cycles, were increasingly likely to have reported unprotected coitarche. Similarly, men reporting coitarche before the age of 15 (adjOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.99–2.87) or having a younger sex partner at coitarche (adjOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11–2.69) were more likely to have not used condoms. About three quarters of men received at least some form of sex education prior to coitarche. ConclusionsCondomless coitarche is commonly reported among men in non-steady adolescent relationships and with mixed feelings about having sex. Condomless coitarche among these men is independently associated with initiating sex before the age of 15 and having sex with a younger female partner. These findings may guide how to structure young men’s sexual education programing.

Ricinus communis-linn (castor plant), male contraceptives and reproductive health of women.

The medicinal use of castor plant is extensive. Castor oil is most commonly used as a laxative, and the leaves and seeds have been used to augment labour, promote lactation and to treat syphilis and leprosy. Its use for contraception is an ancient practice among the Rukuba women of Plateau State in Nigeria, who would chew 2-3 seeds for contraceptive coverage of one year. The acute and chronic spermatogenic effect of the minor seed variety of ricinus communis-linn is hereby reported. Thirty male rats weighing 200-250g were grouped (n = 5) and treated with the n-hexane extract of the seeds, each made up to 1ml with physiological saline, and given as a single dose, intraperitoneally. Control groups had 1 ml physiological saline. Semen was collected 72 h and 6 weeks after treatment and analyzed within one hour of collection. The seed extract suppressed spermatogenesis and sperm motility up to six weeks after treatment. But semen parameters reverted to normal values in the 7 weeks of treatment, showing primary spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Our results showed ricinus communis-linn to be a potent but reversible anti-spermatogenic agent with significant anti-motility properties. Moreover, being of plant origin, it is readily available and affordable. We hereby present ricinus communis-linn as a possible male contraceptive agent that can relieve women of their reproductive burden globally.

Magnetic Testis Targeting and Magnetic Hyperthermia for Noninvasive, Controllable Male Contraception via Intravenous Administration

Mild testicular hyperthermia by the photothermal effect of gold nanorods could realize controllable male contraception. However, associated limitations, such as testicular administration and infrared laser inflicting severe pain, and the nondegradability of nanoparticles potentially causing toxicity, have restricted further clinical application. Inspired by the excellent physicochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), and the finding that testicular injection of PEG-coated IONPs with a diameter of 50 nm (PEG@Fe3O4-50) following an alternating magnetic field (AMF) could achieve controllable male contraception; here we propose a noninvasive, targeting approach for male contraception via intravenous administration. The magnetic properties and testes targeting of IONPs were proven to be greatly affected by their surface chemistry and particle size. After systemic administration, citric acid stabilized IONPs with size of 100 nm (CA@Fe3O4-100) were found to be the best ideal thermoagent for realizing the noninvasive contraception. This study offers new strategies for male contraception.

EFEKTIFITAS PROGRAM KELUARGA BERENCANA KONTAP PRIA KECAMATAN KASIMAN KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO

The purpose of this study was to describe the effectiveness of male contraception family planning programs, supporting and inhibiting factors in Kasiman District, Bojonegoro Regency. This type of research is a qualitative descriptive study. Data collection techniques by observation, interview and documentation. Processing and data analysis using descriptive analysis. The results showed that the Men's Contraception Family Planning Program in Kasiman District, Bojonegoro Regency had been implemented and was quite effective in suppressing the population growth rate. The socialization of the Men's Contraception Family Planning Program has been done well and is quite effective, the socialization media used to introduce the Men's Contraception KB Program uses posters and leaflets as well as cooperation with other parties. The obstacle in the implementation of the Men's Contraception KB Program is people's understanding that the Men's Contraception Family Planning Program can affect sexual relations with their partners.Keywords: effectiveness, family planning, male conting.

The Effect of Communication, Resources, Disposition And Structure of Bureaucracy on Medical Participation of Men's Operations in City of Bandar Lampung (Study of George Edward III Policy Implementation Model)

The Population and Family Planning Control Office of Bandar Lampung City has implemented a Family Planning Program to reduce birth rates so that population growth in Bandar Lampung is controlled. Since 2009, men and women have had the same rights and position in achieving the success of the Family Planning Program in Bandar Lampung City. But the fact the Family Planning Program in Bandar Lampung City still seems biased to gender, this is evidenced by the achievement of family planning acceptors who are still being majority among women compared to men. KB Male Medical Surgery (MOP) is the male birth control that attains the lowest acceptor and has decreased in five years in the city of Bandar Lampung. Based on the problems obtained in the field, the study wanted to see the influence of communication variables, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure on KB MOP participation in Bandar Lampung City. The independent variable used in this study is the implementation model variable proposed by George Edward III. The method used in this study a descriptive and associative method with a quantitative approach. The results showed that the communication variables obtained the magnitude of influence of 4.4% and the disposition variable obtained the magnitude of influence of 4.3%, these two variables did not have a significant effect on KB MOP participation in Bandar Lampung City. While the resource variable obtained the magnitude of influence of 21.1% and the bureaucratic structure variable obtained the magnitude of influence of 25.6%, these two variables had a significant influence on KB MOP participation in Bandar Lampung City. But simultaneously the communication, resource, disposition and bureaucratic structure variables have a significant influence on KB MOP participation in Bandar Lampung City and the magnitude of the effect obtained is 25.1%.

CONTRACEPTIVE PREFERENCES AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

Objective: To understand the contraceptive preferences of women of reproductive age group and to know from where they get the knowledge of it and how quality of life of contraceptive users and non-users is affected.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Gynecology and Obstetrics department, Pak-Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Sep 2017 to Aug 2018.
 Methodology: Pre-tested self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the usage of contraception, role of health care providers social/family influences, and print/broadcast media, to provide sample size calculation, ethics approval, knowledge and access to various contraceptive methods. The quality of life indicators used were anemia and feeling of general well-being.
 Results: A total of 1050 participated in the study. Out of those who have knowledge, only 497 (47.33%) practiced contraception and 530 (50.47%) not using it 23 (2.1%) were not clear about their views regarding contraceptive usage. Out of those who were using contraception, 161 (54.20%) women used barrier methods, 93 (18.71%) used intrauterine contraceptive devices, implanon 52 (10.46%), natural methods 61 (12.27%), oral/injectable 99 (19.91%) and male contraception was used by 31 (6.23%) couples. Anemia was less in contraceptive users 84 (17%) as compared to non-users 164 (31%).
 Conclusion: Family planning is the strongest tool which can improve the health of mother and children as well as it’s a development indicator for overall social and economic status of a society. By understanding its prevalence and factors influencing its usage, maternal and child health can be improved in near future.

Efforts to Generate a Male Contraception Just by Prevention of Sperm Motility Acquirement in Epididymis Without Influencing the Physiology of Spermatogenesis: Yet Still a Little Far Goal

In view of the world population escalating at an alarming rate anticipated population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050. In contrast to female contraceptive measures male contraceptive methods are relatively negligible. Maximum researchers have concentrated on generation of male contraceptive methods by trying to modulate hormones but had to abandon this strategy as the pharmaceutical companies were not happy in view of marked adverse actions. Maximum nonhormonal strategies in research concentrate on spermatogenesis repression or reversible physical barriers. Sperm motility represents one of the maximum significant markers of semen quality as it is necessary for sperm motion appropriately in the female reproductive tract for it to arrive intricately towards the egg as well as fertilize it. The group of Vijayraghavan S, et al. have been concentrating on generation of a male contraceptive by utilization of targeting sperm motility at epididymal level by extensively studying the regulation of flaggelar protein motion by various subunits like Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1), Protein Phosphatase Inhibitor-2 (PPPIR2), its phosphorylation by Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3), A kinase anchor protein 4(AKAP4). Recently they attempted to generate a bioportide that could simulate binding of the anchor protein AKAP4 that had been earlier revealed as a PPγ2 interactor in human sperm,that are implicated in sperm motility .Unfortunately that did not abolish sperm motility completely .This seemed to be surprising as PP1/ PPPIR2crosstalk seems to be central in regulation of sperm motility. Thus Silva et al., pointed that evaluation of the probable part of PPPIR7 as well as PPPIR11 in the manipulation of sperm motility in men might be the aim of future studies that needs to be continued to get more insight in this field.

Acceptability of the oral hormonal male contraceptive prototype, 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC), in a 28-day placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine men's satisfaction with and the potential acceptability of 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC) when used for 28 days as an experimental, once-daily, oral hormonal male contraceptive (HMC). Study designWe surveyed participants from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 clinical trial, examining their experience with and willingness to use daily oral 11β-MNTDC for male contraception. ResultsOf 42 trial participants, 40 (30 11β-MNTDC, 10 placebo) completed baseline and end-of-treatment surveys. Based on a 28-day experience, few cited any baseline concerns about safety and drug adherence. Following treatment, nearly three-quarters (72.5%) of participants reported satisfaction with the study drug and nearly all (92.5%) would recommend the method to others. More than half of participants would be willing to pay for the study drug (62.5%) and indicated that the method exceeded initial expectations (53.9%). Nearly 90% reported that taking the pill was easy to remember and did not interfere with their daily routines. Approximately one-third of participants reported bothersome side effects (37% 11β-MNTDC vs. 20% placebo, p = 0.45). Given the option, 42% of participants would prefer a daily HMC pill over injectable regimens or a daily topical gel. ConclusionA majority of participants in this short-term trial of daily oral 11β-MNTDC reported satisfaction with the regimen, would recommend it to others, and would pay to use the drug as HMC despite some bothersome side effects. ImplicationsOral 11β-MNTDC would be an acceptable and preferable method among men desiring reversible hormonal male contraception (HMC). These data support further trials of novel oral HMCs such as 11β-MNTDC.

“I'm not going to be a guinea pig:” Medical mistrust as a barrier to male contraception for Black American men in Los Angeles, CA

BackgroundRacial disparities in unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use in the United States are not mediated by access to family planning services alone. Rather, a history of medical mistrust underlies Black Americans’ adoption of new medical technologies, inclusive of contraception. Efforts to develop hormonal male contraceptives need to incorporate Black Americans’ experiences and perspectives so that new contraceptives enable their reproductive goals and promote gender equity. Study DesignWorking with our community-based partner, Healthy African American Families in Los Angeles, California, we conducted six 60-minute focus group discussions with 39 Black men over age 18, in ongoing heterosexual relationships, to explore attitudes towards and willingness to use hormonal male contraceptives. ResultsJust over one-third (35%) of respondents reported willingness to use or rely on hormonal male contraceptives. The majority held negative attitudes about hormonal male contraceptives, citing concerns about side effects and safety. Several respondents expressed mistrust of the medical community and medical research, noting that hormonal male contraceptives could be used against Black communities; several expressed unwillingness to trial hormonal male contraceptives without years of testing. However, all groups described scenarios where they would use them despite stated concerns. ConclusionsBlack men's hypothetical willingness to use hormonal male contraceptives is limited by medical mistrust, which may be overcome by their concerns about the unreliability of current options or the contraceptive behaviors of female partners. Nevertheless, addressing Black Americans’ history of medical mistreatment and exploitation will be essential for hormonal male contraceptives to positively contribute to Black men's reproductive options and agency. ImplicationsWhile the development of reversible, hormonal male contraception intends to fulfill unmet global needs for contraception, the utility of these hormonal male contraceptive methods among Black men living on low incomes in Los Angeles, California cannot be fully realized until developers address and overcome historical and ongoing medical mistrust.