Fancy a jab in the bum every two months? Before you think this is a pretty forward approach, we are talking here about male contraception.
Have you ever thought that men should take more responsibility for effective contraception? Well the latest news of a Scottish trail led by Professor Richard Anderson, from Edinburgh University’s reproductive and development sciences division, might just provide the solution. The University is looking for 20 Scottish couples from the South East of Scotland to take part in a year long trial being organised by the World Health Organisation.
They have developed a new hormone containing progesterone and testosterone and which is delivered by a rear end injection every two months. The main aim of adding progesterone is to reduce the amount of testosterone required, which in turn makes the treatment last longer.
The Professor believes that the injection is free from any side effects and that the new development is a real step forward since it moves away from previous attempts at a male contraceptive which required weekly injections. Although other hormone treatments have been linked with certain cancers, the Professor is convinced that this treatment will not carry such risks. Whilst this is currently yet to be proven categorically, it is likely that such risks will be measurable and low and it is accepted that many more trails will be needed to fully assess the risk.
Previous trials have proved that the concept works by reducing sperm production to such low levels that the effect is contraceptive, and more importantly, it is completely reversible. Sperm counts reduce from over 20 million per millilitre to virtually zero in most subjects. The trial is intended to prove the concept by recruiting men under the age of 45 with female partners under the age of 37 who have regular periods.
Reliability comparable with the female pill is claimed and if proven then condoms may find less favour as the contraceptive of choice for most men. The question is – is there a market for this type of contraceptive? The university has carried out some opinion surveys and the feedback has been very positive from both male and female responders.
If you are interested in taking part then contact the University on 0131-242-6196 or email [email protected]
Be aware that you have to have no underlying health issues and meet the age criteria specified above to be considered for the trial which will assess a total of 200 couples.
So what could this mean for condom manufacturers and condom suppliers? Will they see a downfall in sales and exposure due to the new male bum jab? We believe any new form of male or female contraception can only be a good thing, however the male bum jab won’t stop the rise of STD’s in the UK however that’s another topic.