The recent choices available for male contraception include condoms, vasectomies, or abstaining from sex.
Therefore, the accountability of avoiding unexpected gestations often falls on women, who might use daily birth control pills, have an IUD inserted, use vaginal rings, employ a diaphragm, or resort to emergency contraception as a last resort.
New Advances in Male Contraception
Scientists are progressing towards more choices for male contraception. A research circulated in the journal Nature Communications on February 14, 2023, introduces a promising method in mice.
Scientists tested a compound that bars an essential enzyme needed for sperm flexibility, recommending a possible route to a fast-acting, brief male contraceptive.
Despite being tested in mice, this enzyme is present in many species, including humans. Jochen Buck, a pharmacologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-author of the study explains, "Our lab identified the enzyme responsible for initiating sperm movement, and we've developed a compound that inhibits its function."
The compound's possible as a male contraceptive was found surprising. Initially investigated for treating an eye condition in mice, researchers observed its effect on male fertility.
After injection, male mice showed immobilized sperm within minutes, suggesting a mechanism where sperm could not traverse the cervix into the uterus.
Further studies revealed its rapid onset (within 15 minutes) and temporary nature (remaining effective for several hours). In trials, it prevented pregnancies with 100% effectiveness within 2.5 hours of administration, and 91% effectiveness within 3.5 hours.
Buck is optimistic about its potential in humans, envisioning it as an on-demand contraceptive that temporarily halts sperm mobility without long-term side effects.
However, experts warn that findings in mice may not precisely translate to humans, highlighting the need for further study and clinical trials.
Despite difficulties and ambiguity, the growth of this new compound represents an important step towards enlightening contraceptive choices for men, possibly allowing a safer and more flexible alternative to the research approach.
Reviving Male Contraception: Advocating for Inclusive Solutions
Male contraception has been ignored in reproductive health, mainly due to the restricted choices available for men, like condoms or vasectomies.
While condoms can fail due to unsuitable sizing and can influence sensation, vasectomies are permanent and come with potential risks like infection and chronic pain.
The Irish government has recently made contraception free for young women aged 17 to 26, but this doesn't include free condoms or vasectomies for men.
A promising new option is COSO, a hormone-free, ultrasound-based male contraceptive developed by German researcher Rebecca Weiss.
Driven by her health scare linked to the contraceptive pill, Weiss developed COSO to provide a safe and effective alternative for men.
The device, designed with input from 422 male participants, works by heating water to a set level and using ultrasonic waves to temporarily halt sperm production for six months.
COSO offers several benefits, including no side effects, reusability, and no need for a prescription. While human trials are still pending, animal tests have shown promising results.
If successful, COSO could provide a less invasive, shared responsibility for contraception compared to existing methods.
This innovation could help shift the burden of contraception from women to a more balanced approach, addressing cultural stigmas and offering a safer alternative without hormonal interventions.
COSO has the potential to revolutionize male contraception and change the conversation around reproductive health.
Related Article: Male Birth-Control Pill: Nearing Reality and Its Impact on Men's Willingness to Embrace It
