New research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting shows promise for a new male contraceptive option in the form of a gel. The ongoing study included 222 participants and their partners, with the participants applying the gel once daily to each shoulder blade. The gel combines Nestorone and testosterone to suppress sperm production and maintain normal bodily functions.
Study author Diana Blithe, PhD, chief of the contraceptive development program at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, expressed optimism about the research. The study showed that 86% of participants had their sperm count suppressed below the threshold identified after 15 weeks, exceeding initial expectations.
Dr. Andrew Y. Sun, Director of Men's Health at Urology Partners of North Texas, highlighted the importance of male contraception in light of recent legal changes affecting reproductive rights in the US. The positive response from study participants towards the gel bodes well for future uptake, according to Blithe.
Blithe sees the gel as a potential complement to existing contraceptive products on the market, such as SpermCheck and SpermCheck Vasectomy. The next steps for the research include completing enrollment by the end of the year, conducting a final analysis, and working with the FDA to determine a pathway for a phase three clinical trial.
Overall, the research on the male contraceptive gel shows promising results and potential for providing men with a greater role in reproductive health. The positive response from participants and the effectiveness of the gel in suppressing sperm production offer hope for a new contraceptive option in the future.