An insurmountable barrier
For many years, researchers have been looking for a safe and easy way of male contraception. Existing options include the use of condoms that serve as a barrier to ejaculate, as well as vasoresection and vasectomy, in which a section of the vas deferens is surgically crossed or excised, through which spermatozoa flow directly from the testicles into the penis. The first option is not considered reliable, and the second is irreversible. Hormonal drugs prescribed to prevent sperm production are not popular due to pronounced side effects.
A group of researchers from the company Contraline has created a completely new method of male contraception, which is reversible, does not require hormonal drugs and does not affect a man's sex life in any way. By a small operation, a small amount of ADAM hydrogel is injected into each of the vas deferens. This creates a kind of plug that prevents the entry of sperm from the vas deferens into the urethra. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes no more than 30 minutes.
Schematic representation of the movement of spermatozoa along the vas deferens.
Introduction of ADAM hydrogel.
Blocking the movement of spermatozoa.
The reproductive process in men includes the production of spermatozoa and auxiliary components that form sperm. Blocking both vas deferens with a hydrogel will prevent spermatozoa from entering the sperm, but does not affect the ejaculation process in any way and does not change the volume of sperm. The hydrogel injected into the vas deferens persists for about two years. When it begins to break down, the patient's fertility is restored.
During a clinical trial in Australia, four men underwent the ADAM contraceptive hydrogel implantation procedure and are currently under observation to detect undesirable side effects and determine the presence of sperm in the ejaculate.
If the group is successful, a larger clinical trial in the United States will begin next year.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on the materials of Contraline: Contraline Announces First Patients Successfully Implanted in Male Contraceptive Study.