For decades, the responsibility of birth control has largely fallen on women, along with the side effects, cost, and cultural pressure that come with it. But a new option for men is gaining attention and it’s not a pill, a patch, or a hormone gel.
It’s called ADAM, and it's an injectable hydrogel that could become the first long-acting, reversible, non-hormonal male contraceptive of its kind.
So, what exactly is it? And what could it mean for the future of birth control?
What is ADAM, exactly?
ADAM is a non-hormonal, long-acting contraceptive being developed by a biotech company called Contraline. Instead of altering hormones, ADAM uses a hydrogel that gets injected directly into the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles).
Once injected, the gel forms a soft, flexible plug that physically blocks sperm from passing through during ejaculation.
The procedure is minimally invasive, done by a urologist, and is intended to be similar to a no-scalpel vasectomy—but with one major difference: it’s designed to be reversible. When someone decides they’re ready to conceive, the gel can be flushed out in a follow-up procedure to restore fertility.
Why is this a big deal?
Because male contraception hasn’t changed much in… well, ever.
While women have been navigating hormonal options, IUDs, rings, shots, and emergency contraception, people with sperm have only had two real options: condoms or a vasectomy. That’s it.
If ADAM makes it to market, it could:
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Offer a non-permanent alternative to vasectomy
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Give men a long-acting option that doesn't require hormones
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Help shift the responsibility of birth control into more balanced territory
And for couples trying to avoid pregnancy or plan more intentionally, that kind of shared responsibility can be a game-changer.
Where does it stand right now?
ADAM is currently in clinical trials in the U.S. and Australia. So far, early data shows the procedure is safe, well-tolerated, and doing what it’s supposed to do: stop sperm.
Contraline is aiming to complete human trials and submit for approval in the coming years. While it’s not available yet, ADAM is further along than many male contraceptive ideas that never made it past the drawing board.
But will men actually use it?
That’s always the question.
Surveys show a growing number of men say they’d consider male birth control, especially if it’s non-hormonal, low maintenance, and reversible. ADAM checks all those boxes.
But, as always, adoption will depend on:
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Access to the procedure
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How it’s framed in the media (less “emasculating,” more “empowering”)
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Whether people feel confident in its safety, effectiveness, and reversibility
What this means for people with ovaries
Whether you’re trying to avoid pregnancy or just want more shared responsibility in the conversation, ADAM is a step in the right direction. More options for men means more balance in relationships, fewer hormonal side effects on one side, and a broader spectrum of choice for everyone.