Researchers are advancing a new hormonal gel for men as a potential long-acting, reversible birth control option, showing promising results in trials.
A long-awaited birth control option for men may be closer to reality. After decades of false starts, researchers say they are finally making progress on a long-acting and reversible birth control option for men.
Hormonal Gel for Men:
Developed by the National Institutes of Health and Population Council.
Applied daily on shoulders to block sperm production in testes.
Contains nestorone (progestin) and testosterone to suppress sperm development.
Effectiveness and Trials:
Tested on over 300 couples to refine dosage since 2005.
86% of men achieved low sperm counts (<1 million/ml) within 15 weeks.
Rapid suppression was observed in 4-8 weeks for some participants.
Comparison with Female Birth Control:
Lower failure rate compared to birth control pills, rings, and patches (7%).
Condoms have a failure rate of about 13%.
Advantages Over Female Birth Control:
Less risk of unintended pregnancy with missed doses.
Quick hormone recovery if gel use is interrupted (8-10 weeks for sperm count recovery).
Clinical Observations:
Minimal mood swings and depression were reported, unlike some female birth control methods.
WHO's similar hormonal injections were halted due to side effects; gel offers slower hormone release for better tolerance.
Future Expectations: Related: U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Developed World
Final trial results are to be published in a medical journal.
Potential new standard in male contraception pending further evaluation and approval.
This innovative hormonal gel presents promising advancements in male birth control, offering effective contraception with fewer side effects compared to existing methods.
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Source: CNN
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