Is a male contraceptive pill closer than you think?
From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4
June 2, 2026 · 29 min · Episode 146
About this episode
The episode discusses the challenges and advancements in developing a male contraceptive pill.
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to male contraception. We’ve been hearing about a “male pill” for decades, so why don’t we have one yet? They break down how male fertility works, what options currently exist, and the different approaches scientists are exploring, from hormonal gels to non-hormonal treatments. They also look at the challenges behind developing new contraceptives, from the biology to the strict safety standards and lack of funding that have slowed progress. To help them unpack it all, they’re joined by Professor Richard Anderson, Professor of Clinical Reproductive Science at the University of Edinburgh. If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us 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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Professor Richard Anderson
Topics covered
- male contraception
- fertility
- scientific research
- healthcare challenges
- hormonal treatments
Keywords
- male contraceptive
- fertility
- hormonal gels
- non-hormonal treatments
- contraceptive development
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Edinburgh, BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media
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