It's important to note that Vasalgel won't protect against STIs, including HIV: Parsemus points out that while some HIV lives in sperm, most of the virus actually lives in seminal fluid, which will still pass from a Vasalgel-injected man to his partner during ejaculation. Still, we're excited for Vasalgel's potential to lower rates of unintended pregnancy, and for a future in which birth control responsibility is more equitably shared across the genders. (Considering that a one-time injection for a man in a heterosexual, monogamous relationship will translate to a woman no longer in need of birth control pills, pharmaceutical companies may be less excited than we are.) If you're all for this expansion in contraceptive options, you can donate to Vasalgel's cause — and if you are a man who really wants to show his support, you can even volunteer to participate in next year's clinical trials (sign up for e-mail updates on volunteering here ).