For decades, pundits have predicted new contraceptives for men within the next 5 to 10 years.
Are we really getting any closer? Judging from work presented at the second "Future of Male Contraception" conference, the answer may finally be yes.
But will men actually use a new method if researchers make one? Elaine Lissner, director of the nonprofit Male Contraception Information Project, says demand is the least of the problems. "You'll never have all men interested, but attitudes have really changed-- studies consistenly show a majority of men would consider it. You have to remember, between condoms and vasectomy, men in the U.S. are already taking care of a third of contraception. Just imagine if they had another non-permanent option."
Kirsten Thompson, director of the International Male Contraception Coalition, concurs. "Some men are quite desperate for better control over their fertility. They're looking for something they can really count on."
Among the developments announced at the conference: