Scientists developing new birth control option for men
Artist’s illustraion of sperm cells. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Contraception has always been a tricky subject for men, considering the lack of options available. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, choices are pretty much narrowed down to either condom use or a vasectomy.
But according to a new study published in Basic and Clinical Andrology journal, a new revolutionary gel could alter the landscape of male contraception for generations to come.
The drug Vasegel, as relayed by Mashable, is a polymer gel injected to the duct of the male reproductive system called the vas deferens.
Once infused, the gel forms a filter-like barrier that blocks sperm from flowing through but that still allows other water-soluble molecules to flow.
Basically, the idea is pretty much the same as vasectomy, in the sense that the sperm is stopped from being ejaculated directly into the male’s sexual partner.
But unlike the seemingly permanent results of the surgical procedure, Vasegel is easily retractable by injecting a baking soda solution to dissolve the gel blockade.
However, despite the astonishing results from testing adult male rhesus monkeys, scientists are working on a few kinks of the product.
The team is still looking to avoid some minimal damage caused by the drug to the tissue of the vas deferens. It is also figuring some cases, wherein some residual gel caused minor tissue inflammation. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
