A reversible, safe, non-hormonal contraceptive is getting closer to becoming reality for men.
The birth control method — featuring a reversible hydrogel — was developed by Kyla Raoult, who obtained her master’s degree in Polymer Science at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday at Stellenbosch University.
“If our technology can provide men with a safe, one-time insertion, easily reversible option, I believe that the idea of men contributing to the prevention of unplanned and often unwanted pregnancies will be realistic. Gender equality in contraception is important, as both men and women should be responsible for contributing to safer sex practices,” said Raoult.
A hydrogel is a soft jelly-like material that absorbs water and swells to form a 3D net-like network with pores.
Raoult said the idea was to inject the gel into the vas deferens — the tube that carries sperm out of testicles — where it swells in response to watery bodily fluids to create a semi-permeable barrier. Once swollen, its pores allow seminal fluid to pass but block the passage of sperm, which are too large to fit through.
The blocked sperm is then reabsorbed by the body, similar to what happens after a vasectomy. The gel, which forms in the vas deferens in under a minute, can be injected in a doctor’s office.
“The hydrogel is designed to stay in place until the patient wants to restore fertility. This technology could help men reduce their fertility, without the usual side effects of hormone blockers, and then restore it when they’re ready to start a family. It is important to note that the actual duration of contraception must still be studied and confirmed in clinical trials.”
Raoult said she was inspired to find a solution as most contraceptives are designed for females. “Men’s options are mostly limited to condoms, vasectomies and some hormone-based methods. Condoms aren't always 100% effective and since they are known to decrease sexual stimulation, they are often used incorrectly, if used at all.
“Vasectomies are excellent contraceptives, but their reversal often results in complications, and they are more of a permanent option.”
She said hormonal options were still being tested for effectiveness: “They are also often associated with negative side effects. So there is a clear need for a reversible, non-hormonal male contraceptive.
“Other hydrogels that are being developed rely on external massaging or vibrations to break them down, which often results in damage to the vas deferens. Our technology is designed to make reversibility quicker and easier,” she said.
A hydrogel contraceptive called Risug (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) was developed about a decade ago in India. It uses a polymer that is the focus of the Klumperman Research Group, led by Raoult's supervisor, Prof Bert Klumperman from the university's department of chemistry and polymer science.
Raoult's project builds on previous work done in the group to improve the technology and make it more reversible.
The project is still in its developmental stage and needs further laboratory studies before clinical trials can be conducted.
Raoult is already working for a US-based biotechnology company developing hydrogels for male contraception.
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