A contraceptive injection designed for men could be available in six months, with Indian scientists saying they've completed trials on a drug that is injected into men's groins.
Health authorities in the country just need to approve the jab, which lasts for 13 years - after that, it loses its potency.
As reported by the Hindustan Times, the drug is the first alternative to male sterilisation. It would be injected under anaesthetic, into the tube that contains sperm near the testicles.
Advert
Dr Sharma, a scientist who has led the trials, said: "The product is ready, with only regulatory approvals pending with the Drugs Controller (DCGI). The trials are over, including extended, phase 3 clinical trials for which 303 candidates were recruited with 97.3% success rate and no reported side-effects.
"The product can safely be called the world's first male contraceptive."
If the drug makes it through the final hurdle, and is approved for use, it would be the first of its kind - although the country is testing extensively to ensure it's safe.
Advert
VG Somani, drug controller of India, said: "It's the first in the world from India so we have to be extra careful about approval. We are looking at all aspects, especially the good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification that won't raise any questions about its quality
"I'd say it will still take about six to seven months for all the approvals to be granted before the product can be manufactured."
Doctors believe that it will be preferable to surgical options as it's safer and less invasive, and they predict more men will opt for it over sterilisation.
Earlier this year, a British man became the first to test out a new contraceptive gel
Advert
James Owers, 29, and his girlfriend Diana Bardsley, 27, from Edinburgh signed up to the study, which looked into the effectiveness of a hormone gel.
The international study included 450 couples who have agreed to use the substance, called NES/T, as their only form of contraceptive for the next 12 months.
The gel, which is applied topically, uses a mixture of progesterone and testosterone. It's reported that the progesterone stops sperm being produced, while the testosterone negates the effects of a drop in testosterone levels, meaning that users should continue to have a normal sex drive.
The men taking part have their sperm count checked regularly to ensure the gel is working.
Featured Image Credit: PA