Fact Check: a male birth control was cancelled because of the side effects it had

The Claim: "A male birth control was cancelled because of the side effects it had"

Introduction

The claim that a male birth control method was cancelled due to side effects refers to various studies and trials that have explored hormonal contraceptives for men. Reports indicate that some trials were halted after participants experienced adverse effects. However, the specifics surrounding these cancellations and the broader implications for male contraception remain complex and nuanced.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: Research into male hormonal contraception has been ongoing for decades, with various methods being tested, including pills, gels, and injections. The first significant trial of a male contraceptive injection was reported in 2016, which was halted due to side effects experienced by participants 37.

2. Reported Side Effects: In the 2016 study, participants reported side effects such as mood swings, acne, and injection site pain. A total of 1,491 adverse events were documented, which included both common and rare side effects like testicular pain and night sweats 357.

3. Study Cancellations: The study mentioned was stopped not solely because of side effects but also due to a combination of factors, including participant feedback and the overall feasibility of continuing the trial 9. The decision to halt was influenced by the nature and severity of the reported side effects, which raised concerns among researchers 8.

4. Current Developments: Despite setbacks, research into male contraception continues. As of December 2023, new trials for male contraceptive pills are underway, indicating ongoing interest in developing safe and effective male birth control options 8.

Analysis

The claim that a male birth control method was cancelled due to side effects is supported by multiple sources, but the interpretation of these events varies.

• Source Reliability:

  • NPR 3 and CNN 7 are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards, providing reliable accounts of the study's findings and participant experiences.
  • Snopes 9 offers a fact-checking perspective, noting that while side effects played a role in the study's cancellation, other factors were also at play. This source is generally credible but may have a bias towards debunking sensational claims.
  • PMC 1 and UCDavis 2 provide scientific insights into the side effects associated with male hormonal contraception, which are useful for understanding the broader context of the claim.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those affiliated with pharmaceutical companies or specific research institutions, may have inherent biases that affect their reporting. Evaluating the funding and affiliations of studies is crucial for understanding potential conflicts of interest.

• Methodological Concerns: The studies referenced often involve small sample sizes and short durations, which can limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the subjective nature of self-reported side effects can introduce variability in the data.

• Contradicting Evidence: While some reports emphasize the side effects as a primary reason for halting studies, others suggest that the overall landscape of male contraception is evolving, with new methods being developed despite past challenges 48.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that a male birth control method was cancelled due to side effects is partially true. Evidence indicates that side effects were indeed a significant factor in the decision to halt certain studies, particularly the 2016 trial, where participants reported a range of adverse effects. However, it is important to note that the cancellations were not solely attributed to these side effects; other factors, including participant feedback and the feasibility of the trials, also played a role.

This nuanced understanding highlights the complexity of developing male contraceptives and the ongoing challenges faced in this area of research. While the side effects reported were concerning, they are part of a broader context where research continues, as evidenced by new trials currently underway.

Limitations in the available evidence include the small sample sizes and short durations of the studies, which may affect the reliability of the findings. Additionally, the subjective nature of self-reported side effects can introduce variability and uncertainty in the data.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding male contraception and consider the evolving nature of this field as new studies and developments emerge.

Sources

1. Male Contraception - PMC. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7513428/
2. Male hormonal birth control? It may be closer than you think. UCDavis. Available at: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/male-hormonal-birth-control-it-may-be-closer-than-you-think/2024/02
3. Male Birth Control Study Killed After Men Report Side Effects. NPR. Available at: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/11/03/500549503/male-birth-control-study-killed-after-men-complain-about-side-effects
4. The weird reasons there still isn't a male contraceptive pill. BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230216-the-weird-reasons-male-birth-control-pills-are-scorned
5. We still don't have male birth control — but no, it's not ... Vox. Available at: https://www.vox.com/2016/11/2/13494126/male-birth-control-study
6. Male Contraceptive Study Didn't Get Shut Down Because Men. Self. Available at: https://www.self.com/story/male-contraceptive-study-shut-down-gunter
7. Male birth control shot found effective, but side effects cut ... CNN. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/30/health/male-birth-control/index.html
8. Male birth control pill enters Phase 1 trial in U.K. - STAT News. Available at: https://www.statnews.com/2023/12/13/male-birth-control-pill/
9. Men Abandoned Male Birth Control Breakthrough Because ... Snopes. Available at: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/male-birth-control-study/
10. Male Birth Control. LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Available at: https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/contraception-advice/male-birth-control