Researchers in Australia are testing a long-lasting contraceptive for men that isn’t permanent in a new trial that is currently underway, Epworth Freemasons hospital in Melbourne, Australia announced this week.
“If it is successful, it could be a game changer, ensuring that contraception is a shared responsibility between couples,” said professor Nathan Lawrentschuk, who is also a urologist from Epworth Freemasons and the study’s principal investigator.
A hydrogel is injected into the tubes that carry sperm, the vas deferens, blocking the sperm from travelling to the testes, a statement explained. It acts as a kind of temporary vasectomy. After about two years, the hydrogel dissolves. The procedure can then be repeated. It is being called a “world-first” by the hospital.
Four men have already been injected, with a total of 25 men taking part in the trial.
Men will receive health checks and provide semen samples for the duration of the three-year study.
The procedure offers an alternative to a vasectomy, which is a permanent way to stop the supply of sperm to a man’s semen. Vasectomies are considered to be 100 per cent effective as a contraceptive, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is little risk associated with the surgery and low risk of complications.
There is the possibility to reverse a vasectomy, however, it is considered more complicated than the initial surgery, can be expensive and may even be ineffective.
While studies have shown that women often carry the burden of preventing pregnancy, some recent scientific breakthroughs — including the hydrogel injection — are providing more options for men.
One study focused on creating a male birth control pill is expected to enter human trials this year, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. It was 99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancies in mice, they said.
Meanwhile, another study out of Australia is also trying to develop a contraceptive pill for men. The researchers at Monash University discovered that stinging nettle leaf extract could potentially block a protein that controls the sperm’s movement.
nationalpost.com
“If it is successful, it could be a game changer, ensuring that contraception is a shared responsibility between couples,” said professor Nathan Lawrentschuk, who is also a urologist from Epworth Freemasons and the study’s principal investigator.
A hydrogel is injected into the tubes that carry sperm, the vas deferens, blocking the sperm from travelling to the testes, a statement explained. It acts as a kind of temporary vasectomy. After about two years, the hydrogel dissolves. The procedure can then be repeated. It is being called a “world-first” by the hospital.
Four men have already been injected, with a total of 25 men taking part in the trial.
Men will receive health checks and provide semen samples for the duration of the three-year study.
The procedure offers an alternative to a vasectomy, which is a permanent way to stop the supply of sperm to a man’s semen. Vasectomies are considered to be 100 per cent effective as a contraceptive, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is little risk associated with the surgery and low risk of complications.
There is the possibility to reverse a vasectomy, however, it is considered more complicated than the initial surgery, can be expensive and may even be ineffective.
While studies have shown that women often carry the burden of preventing pregnancy, some recent scientific breakthroughs — including the hydrogel injection — are providing more options for men.
One study focused on creating a male birth control pill is expected to enter human trials this year, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. It was 99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancies in mice, they said.
Meanwhile, another study out of Australia is also trying to develop a contraceptive pill for men. The researchers at Monash University discovered that stinging nettle leaf extract could potentially block a protein that controls the sperm’s movement.
'Game changer' for male contraception: Two-year sperm blocker an alternative to vasectomy
The new type of procedure could ensure 'contraception is a shared responsibility between couples,' says the study's principal investigator.
nationalpost.com
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