2017-02-08

Researchers touting successful results of new male contraceptive gel They said it is less invasive than vasectomy, has fewer side effects Next phase is testing whether process could be fully reversible Researchers are touting the results of a new experimental male contraceptive gel after a successful trial run using primates. The new contraceptive, Vasalgel, works by being injected into the vas deferens where it blocks sperm from traveling outside. According to the study published in the journal Basic and Clinic Andrology, there were zero incidents of conception among primates who were injected with Vasalgel. “Intravas injection of Vasalgel in sexually mature adult male rhesus monkeys was effective in preventing conception in a free-living, group environment. Complications were few and similar to those associated with traditional vasectomy,” the study concluded. Catherine VandeVoort, the lead author of the study, is hopeful that Vasalgel would be as effective in humans. “One of the great things about the monkey model is that the male reproductive tract is very similar to humans and they have even more sperm than humans do,” she told the Guardian. “Chances are, it’s going to be effective in humans.” Vandevoort also said Vasalgel could be an appealing alternative for men [...]

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