Giant Condom Outside EU Parliament: More Research on Contraception Needed - Giant condom outside EU Parliament demands better male birth control options

A giant condom has appeared outside the European Parliament as part of a campaign for better male birth control options. The German Foundation for World Population (DSW) is pushing for more funding into research, arguing that current choices for men remain limited and outdated.

At present, men can only rely on condoms or permanent sterilisation to prevent pregnancies. Meanwhile, 257 million women globally still lack proper access to contraception, resulting in around 121 million unintended pregnancies annually.

Scientists are testing new methods, including pills, gels, reversible vasectomies, and heat-based techniques. Four male contraceptives are now in advanced trials: the hormonal NES/T gel (Phase 2b), the non-hormonal NLS-133 pill (Phase II), the YCT-529 pill (Phase 1b/2a), and the ADAM implant (Phase I). However, none have yet been deemed safe and effective enough for market approval by the World Health Organization. The seven-metre-tall condom display in Brussels aims to highlight the gap in options. But without stronger financial and political backing, experts warn these innovations could take years to reach the public.

The DSW's campaign stresses the need for more investment in male contraceptive development. With limited choices available today, researchers and advocates argue that better funding could speed up progress. Until then, millions of women will continue facing unintended pregnancies due to a lack of alternatives.