An injectable hydrogel has demonstrated its contraceptive efficacy in the rhesus macaque.
The benefits of vasectomy, without the side effects. This is how we could summarize the latest study on male contraception, published in Basic and Clinical Andrology. It demonstrates the effectiveness of a gel in preventing reproduction in monkeys. But the volunteers will have to show bravery. Indeed, the technique risks making the bravest wince. An injection into the vas deferens is necessary.
Under anesthesia
At the origin of this work, the California Foundation Parsemus whose “objective is to find affordable solutions that have been neglected by the pharmaceutical industry”. At the heart of his work, male contraception, and more particularly Vasalgel. This contraceptive gel is directly inspired by vasectomy but simplifies the concept. The product is injected into the vas deferens, which leads the sperm from the testes to the urethra. It fills the interior cavity and forms a mechanical barrier to gametes.
On paper, the method looks promising – if not comfortable for the volunteer. A reassuring detail emerges, however, from this study carried out on 16 rhesus macaques: the injection is performed under anesthesia. This step passed, the animals were kept under surveillance for a week. They were then able to join their fellows, housed in an outdoor room. In this shelter, 10 to 30 monkeys live together – males and females, children and adults. Each group consisted of 1 to 3 monkeys that received Vasalgel.
Few complications
6 months passed before the researchers took stock. No gestation occurred during this period in the group. Normally, 80% of females should have been pregnant. The result is clearly positive. The other good news is the side effects associated with Vasalgel.
Only a leak, caused by a poorly located injection, and a spermatic granuloma were observed. This inflammatory mass is caused by the accumulation of sperm in the interstitium of the testis or in the epididymis. Complications of this type occur in 20 to 60% of cases after a vasectomy. “The Vasalgel method is reliable and produces fewer complications than with a vasectomy,” concludes Dr. Catherine VandeVoort, the last author of the study.
The reversion in question
If these results are confirmed in men, the hydrogel could offer a third way to men who wish to invest in contraception. Because currently, apart from the condom and the vasectomy, it is these ladies who must take their precautions. However, other methods are being tested at varying stages.
Still a big unknown: how can the hydrogel be removed? Future work will aim to determine this. This study opens up a new avenue. A massage using percussion and vibrations could disintegrate the product. Again, not sure that the volunteers are very numerous.
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