Lets take a look at some of the contraceptives for dudes that are languishing due to lack of funding.

It doesnt stop fluids, though, so a man who uses Vasalgel will have a sperm-free ejaculation.

RISUG is a similar product that its makers say destroys, rather than blocks, sperm.

Either way, the gel lasts for years, and can be reversed with a second injection.

First Developed:In India,in 1979.

Last Seen:RISUGs Indian maker isapplying for approval this yearto sell the treatment in India.

Vasalgels trials are being fundedby a nonprofitbecause apparently pharmaceutical companies arent interested.

They are asking for donations to fund trials.

One, a form of testosterone, reduces male fertility.

First Developed:In the 1970s, although testosterone has been known to affect fertilitysince at least 1939.

Last Seen:in an almost-successful trial whose results werepublished in October 2016.

The injections were 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Why Its Stalled:That trial ended early because of side effects that included mood disorders and depression.

An ethics board decided that the study should be stopped.

Gossypol

What is it?A chemical from cotton seeds.

First Developed:In China in the 1970s.

Why Its Stalled:This drugs side effectswere deal-breakers.

The drug also causes a dangerous shortage of potassium in the body, which causes the other scary symptoms.

The pills makers say an orgasm still feels the same, but nothing comes out.

Bonus: that means youre a lot less likely to transmit HIV*.

First Developed:In the 1980s, based on observations from decades-old animal studies.

Last Seen:Blocking sperm in rams (you know, male sheep) inthis study reported in 2011.

Why Its Stalled:Again, lack of funding.

Why Is It So Hard to Develop Male Birth Control?

For any drug to make it to market, the benefits have to outweigh the risks.

Women already face risks from pregnancy, so birth control just has to be safer than having a baby.

Men dont have that same tradeoff, so even small risks can disqualify a treatment.

Finally, its not easy to make a reversible birth control.

So male birth control is a second choice, and not an urgent one.

Which means its likely to be vaporware for years to come.