Doctors' Notes: Male Contraception

Doctors' Notes: Male Contraception

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

June 2, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 147

About this episode

Chris and Xand van Tulleken discuss the challenges and perceptions surrounding male contraception with Professor Richard Anderson.

Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into male contraception with Professor Richard Anderson. They explore why, despite decades of research, new male contraceptive options are still limited. From funding gaps to shifting attitudes, they unpack the social and scientific barriers that have shaped progress so far. They also look at how people feel about the idea of male contraception, whether those attitudes are changing, and what it could mean for relationships if new options become available. Along the way, they tackle common misconceptions and consider what the future of shared contraceptive responsibility might look like. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Richard Anderson Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Visual Producer: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Professor Richard Anderson

Topics covered

  • male contraception
  • social barriers
  • scientific barriers
  • attitudes towards contraception
  • shared contraceptive responsibility
  • misconceptions

Keywords

  • male contraception
  • contraceptive options
  • funding gaps
  • social attitudes
  • scientific research
  • shared responsibility
  • misconceptions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media

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