A new form of male contraception is in the works, and has begun clinical trials in India. The new method is administered as an injection and is being praised as a long term, minimally invasive procedure. RISUG®, or Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance, is not a new idea, but has only now gained enough traction to be seen as a viable birth control option.
RISUG® involves injecting non-toxic polymers into the vas deferens, a tube in the scrotum that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. An anesthetic is applied to the outside of the scrotum, and the vas deferens is extracted and injected with the polymer. This process must be done twice as males have a vas deferens associated with each testicle.
The polymer is made out of styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) and dimethyl sulfide (DMSO). In combination, this polymer is known as Vasalgel™. The procedure is fairly short, usually lasting only a few minutes.
There have been some minor side effects reported including swelling at the injection site. According to a 2004 report in Human Reproduction, RISUG® is “absolutely safe” and “does not lead to prostatic diseases.”
The procedure is designed to achieve roughly 10 years of birth control, although reversal is possible at any time. The reversal procedure involves another injection to flush out the Vasalgel™. The reversal injection consists of only water and baking soda.
In India, clinical trials are in Phase III which means that it is close to being brought to market. However, it is a little further behind in the rest of the world. The Parsemus Foundation bought the rights to the American market. They say RISUG® could be available in the U.S. market in 2015.
Source: Healthline
Photo by Jef (Littleman) at RGB Stock Photos
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