In India, the very first injectable contraceptive for men is expected to be marketed soon. While to date, men have only two contraceptive options (condoms and vasectomy), this injection is proving to be a real revolution in the field of male contraception. Let’s do a check in.
The first injectable contraceptive for men
Researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are behind the project. Called RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm under Guidance), this contraceptive method for men involves injecting gel directly into the vas deferens through which sperm circulate.
As for the product, it is an anhydrous maleic styrene dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide which would prevent sperm from moving and thus reaching the egg. A single injection may be enough to be protected for thirteen years. FYI, the injection is performed under local anesthesia.
Active for a period of 13 years and reversible
Unlike vasectomy, this new injectable contraceptive for men has the advantage of being reversible. Indeed, if the effects last 13 years, the patient can, if he changes his mind, receive a new injection to cancel the effects. This second injection would allow the vas deferens to regain permeability, giving the man back his fertility.
More good news: In tests carried out by the researchers, no significant side effects were reported during the six months of follow-up of the participants. The only side effects observed in most people to date are: a slight enlargement of the scrotum and a little pain in the scrotal and inguinal region. Note that these side effects subsequently disappeared within a month.
Coming soon in India
Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research have been working on this new male contraception for almost thirteen years. After being successfully tested on 300 people, the injection should soon be able to be marketed in India. Asked by the Hindustan Times, RS Sharma, a leading researcher at ICMR, said, “ The product is ready, only regulatory approvals are pending. Trials have been completed, including phase 3 extended clinical trials, for which 303 candidates have been recruited, with a success rate of 97.3%. “.
Today, the contraceptive product must receive the approval of the Comptroller General of Medicines of India before it is marketed to the general public. If so, the very first injectable contraceptive for men should be available in India within a few months.
