Contraception in Grand Rapids, MI: Injections to Stop Sperm Production

Male hormonal contraception by injection is an emerging method being studied around the world, including in the United States. While no hormonal injection to stop sperm production is currently available to the public in the U.S., including in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it is an important option to understand as research continues.

This guide explains how these injections work, their potential benefits and risks, and where to get accurate sexual health information and contraception support in Grand Rapids.

What Are Contraceptive Injections to Stop Sperm Production?

These experimental contraceptive injections use synthetic versions of two naturally occurring hormones:

  • Testosterone
  • Progesterone (or progestin, a synthetic form)

Together, these hormones act on the brain and testicles to reduce or temporarily stop sperm production. The goal is to create a reversible, male-controlled form of birth control.

Researchers have studied these hormones in several forms:

  • Injections (most common in studies)
  • Implants
  • Tablets
  • Gels

So far, most research has focused on regular injections given every few weeks or months.

Is This Contraceptive Injection Available in Grand Rapids, MI?

No. As of now:

  • There are no FDA-approved hormonal injections for men to stop sperm production available in the United States.
  • You cannot get this method through clinics, hospitals, or pharmacies in Grand Rapids or anywhere in Michigan.

However, studies continue, and in the future, this type of contraception may become a safe, effective, and acceptable option for some people who produce sperm.

If you live in Grand Rapids and are interested in future male contraception options, you can:

  • Discuss current options with a primary care provider or urologist at:
    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) in Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Ask about clinical trials or research opportunities, if available.

How Would Hormonal Injections to Stop Sperm Production Work?

In studies, these injections work by:

  1. Suppressing hormones from the brain (LH and FSH) that tell the testicles to make sperm.
  2. Reducing sperm production in the testicles to very low levels.
  3. Maintaining enough testosterone to support general health, mood, and sex drive, while still limiting sperm.

It typically takes:

  • About 3 to 6 months for sperm production to drop to levels that reliably prevent pregnancy.
  • Another 3 to 6 months (or more) after stopping injections for sperm counts to return to normal.

Potential Advantages of Hormonal Injections to Stop Sperm Production

If this method becomes available in the future, studies suggest several potential benefits:

A New, Reversible Male Contraception Option

  • Provides people who produce sperm with a reversible alternative to:
    • Vasectomy (usually considered permanent)
    • Reliance on a partner’s contraception (e.g., birth control pills, IUDs, implants)

More Control and Shared Responsibility

  • Allows men in Grand Rapids to take direct control of their contraception, instead of relying solely on a partner.
  • Lets couples share responsibility for:
    • Preventing pregnancy
    • The cost of contraception
    • Regular medical visits for injections or follow-up

Option for Couples Who Cannot Use Other Methods

This method could be helpful for couples who:

  • Cannot use hormonal birth control (e.g., due to side effects or medical conditions)
  • Prefer to avoid long-acting devices like IUDs or implants
  • Want to avoid permanent procedures like vasectomy or tubal ligation

Potential Disadvantages and Side Effects

Studies have also identified possible drawbacks and side effects.

Not 100% Effective for Everyone

  • In research, about 1 in 25 men did not completely suppress sperm production.
  • This means there is still a small risk of pregnancy, even when using the method correctly.

Delayed Onset and Reversal

  • Takes 3–6 months to become fully effective.
  • Takes about the same time (or longer) after stopping for fertility to return.
  • Not ideal for people who need immediate contraception or rapid return to fertility.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects reported in studies include:

  • Acne
  • Night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Lowered sex drive (libido)
  • Mood changes in some men

Most side effects have been mild and improved over time, but long-term effects are still being studied.

No Protection From STIs

  • These injections would not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • In Grand Rapids, like the rest of Michigan, STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV are present in the community.
  • Condoms are still needed to reduce the risk of STIs.

Long-Term Safety and Research Needs

Before these injections can be offered in Grand Rapids or anywhere in the U.S., researchers must:

  • Study long-term health effects over many years
  • Confirm the method is:
    • Safe for the heart and blood vessels
    • Safe for mental health and mood
    • Fully reversible for most users

Until that evidence is available and approved by regulators, this method will remain experimental only.

Choosing the Right Contraception in Grand Rapids, MI

While hormonal injections to stop sperm production are not yet available, there are many effective contraception options in Grand Rapids:

For People Who Produce Sperm

  • Condoms (external condoms)
  • Vasectomy (permanent)
  • Withdrawal (less effective)

For People Who Can Become Pregnant

Available through local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health:

  • Birth control pills
  • IUDs (hormonal and copper)
  • Implants
  • Patches
  • Vaginal rings
  • Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera)
  • Emergency contraception

When choosing a method, consider:

  • How effective it is at preventing pregnancy
  • Possible side effects
  • Your health history
  • How easy it is to use
  • Cost and insurance coverage
  • Your future plans (e.g., wanting children later)

Talking openly with your partner and a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids can help you find a method that fits your life.

Protection From STIs in Grand Rapids

Even if new male contraceptive injections become available in the future, they will not protect against STIs.

To reduce the risk of STIs:

  • Use barrier protection, such as:
    • External (male) condoms
    • Internal (female) condoms
  • Use condoms for:
    • Vaginal sex
    • Anal sex
    • Oral sex (condoms or dental dams)

Consistent condom use is especially important in colder months in Michigan, when people tend to spend more time indoors and may have more close contact.

Local Sexual Health and Contraception Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and want information about contraception, STIs, or sexual health, you can contact:

Primary Care and Hospital Systems

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health

These systems offer:

  • Primary care
  • OB/GYN services
  • Urology
  • Family planning and reproductive health

Public Health Resources

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers STI testing, some contraception services, and sexual health education.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department sexual health”

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids resources
    Provides community health information and referrals.

Clinics and Community Services

  • Local Planned Parenthood health centers (search “Planned Parenthood Grand Rapids MI”)

    • Contraception counseling and prescriptions
    • STI testing and treatment
    • Pregnancy options counseling

  • Community health centers and federally qualified health centers in Grand Rapids

    • Sliding-scale fees
    • Youth-friendly services

Talking With a Healthcare Provider in Grand Rapids

If you’re curious about current or future male contraception options:

  • Make an appointment with:
    • Your family doctor (GP)
    • A urologist
    • An OB/GYN (for couples’ contraception counseling)
  • Ask about:
    • The most effective contraception options available now
    • How to share contraceptive responsibility with your partner
    • Any research studies or clinical trials related to male contraception

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Hormonal injections to stop sperm production are not yet available in Grand Rapids or anywhere in the U.S.
  • Research suggests they may become a reversible, male-controlled contraception option in the future.
  • They do not protect against STIs, so condoms will still be important.
  • For now, Grand Rapids residents can choose from many proven contraception methods, available through local hospitals, clinics, and the Kent County Health Department.
  • Discuss your options with a trusted healthcare provider to find the method that best fits your health, lifestyle, and future plans.