Development of a long-term contraceptive technique for men

Researchers from Harbin Medical University and the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology in China have reported that a hydrogel injected into a man’s vas deferens helps block the passage of sperm in the vas deferens. for a long time and can then be cleaned by extracorporeal ultrasound.

Almost half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended, mainly due to couples not using contraception, which negatively affects women’s health. Male contraceptive techniques, primarily condoms and vasectomy, are both ineffective and irreversible at the same time.

According to research, hydrogel is a mixture of titanium dioxide, calcium chloride and sodium alginate combined with thioketal. Research shows that this mixture is injected into the vas deferens in one go and they can go from liquid to hydrogel within 160 seconds, thus significantly clogging the vas deferens and inhibiting their ability to move. of sperm.

Then, when the couple is planning to have a baby, the doctor will use a non-invasive ultrasound method, which can make titanium dioxide produce reactive oxygen species, cleavage thioketal to destroy the network. of hydrogels. Thanks to this, couples can have normal children. According to research, the reproduction rate is restored up to 100%.

Ultrasonography can also monitor the progress of the vas deferens when blocked and reconstructed. The technique could be used in the future as a reliable, safe and reversible contraceptive for men to address the need for fertility control, the researchers say. of men.

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