Male birth control gel shows promise in early-stage clinical trials
At what stage of clinical trials is the male birth control gel currently, and how many participants were involved?
The male birth control gel is currently in Phase 2b of clinical trials. This stage of the trial involved 222 men who completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the gel made from the progestin medication segesterone acetate and testosterone. The compound was developed by the Population Council, a nonprofit organization that focuses on reproductive health, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health.
How does the sperm suppression achieved by the topical gel compare to normal sperm count levels?
The topical gel being tested in clinical trials for male birth control aims to suppress sperm production to a count of 1 million or fewer per milliliter for effective contraception. Normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen5. By Week 15 of the study, 86 percent of participants achieved the low sperm count threshold, with sperm production typically suppressed by the eighth week of treatment1. This shows that the gel is effective in significantly reducing sperm count below the normal range for contraception purposes.
What is the main function of the hormonal topical gel being tested for male birth control?
The main function of the hormonal topical gel being tested for male birth control is to suppress sperm production by blocking the production of testosterone in the testes2. The gel contains a combination of segesterone acetate (also known as Nestorone) and testosterone, which work together to inhibit sperm production while maintaining normal blood testosterone levels to preserve libido, sexual function, and other testosterone-dependent activities34. This hormonal contraceptive method aims to provide an effective, safe, and reversible alternative to current male birth control options, such as condoms and vasectomies.