The researchers discovered that the gel, which is applied over the shoulder, works faster than other experimental hormone-based contraceptives, as it combines the hormones segesterone acetate and testosterone, which work together to suppress sperm production.
In the study, 222 men applied the gel once a day to each shoulder, and participated in sperm count tests every 4 weeks.
The threshold considered effective for preventing pregnancy was about one million sperm or less per milliliter of semen.
The results, presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, revealed that 86% of men participating in the study reached this sperm count by week 15, with sperm production inhibited in an average time of less than 8 weeks of treatment. .
Researchers say previous studies of injectable male hormonal contraceptives have shown an average time of 9 to 15 weeks for sperm production to be suppressed.
“The faster time to suppression of pregnancy may increase the appeal of this treatment to potential users,” said researcher Diana Blythe, head of the Contraceptive Development Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, US. “Developing a safe, highly effective, reversible contraceptive method for men is important.” “Unmet need: While studies have shown that some hormonal agents may be effective for preventing pregnancy in males, the slow onset of sperm suppression represents an important limitation.”
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