World’s first male contraceptive implant has finally been invented but there’s a catch
The world's first male contraceptive implant has finally been invented, but not everybody is convinced.
While there are loads of different contraception options out there, almost all of them are for women - for example, the contraceptive pill, implant and coil are all pretty popular options.
But every woman knows that contraception can come with unwelcome side effects, nevermind the costs, pain associated with having them fitted, and regular trips back and forth to the doctor to renew prescriptions or discuss other options.
Ultimately, the responsibility of contraception seems to be heavily weighted on women.
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Which is why the concept of a male contraceptive implant has come with so much interest.
US-based company Contraline has been working on the contraceptive, which is a non-hormonal hydrogel that prevents sperm from getting into the urethra.
The gel essentially provides a barrier within the urethra, meaning sperm cannot get past it. The sperm on the other side of the gel eventually degrade and become absorbed by the body.
Then, at the end of the gel's lifespan - which is two years - the gel simply liquifies and the barrier is removed, resuming fertility.
The contraceptive, called ADAM, is currently in the testing phase, with two of the patients in the trials having reached the two-year mark, with no sperm detected in their semen.
Of course, further research needs to take place before ADAM can be released into the market, but some people have been left feeling rather squeamish over how the gel is administered.
While the gel is minimally invasive, it has to be injected into a man's sperm duct.
However, local anaesthetic can be used, to make sure the process is not painful.
Dr Alexander Pastuszak, Contraline’s chief medical officer, said: "Our goal was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, responding directly to consumer needs.
"These findings confirm that ADAM, our novel water-soluble hydrogel, can achieve the intended lifespan. We remain optimistic about its safety, efficacy, and reversibility, and its potential to give men and couples greater reproductive control."
A male contraceptive pill is also being developed, which blocks vitamin A in the testes, meaning sperm cannot be produced.
In trials on mice, it has so far prevented 99 percent of pregnancies.
"A safe and effective male pill will provide more options to couples for birth control," said Gunda Georg, chemist and pharmacist at the University of Minnesota.
"It will allow a more equitable sharing of responsibility for family planning and provide reproductive autonomy for men."
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, World News
Lucy Devine