Latest news with #Contraline
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Male contraceptive implant finally invented - but it's not for the squeamish
A gel-based substance promises to render men incapable of fertilising eggs for up to two years - which could help balance the load placed on women for preventing pregnancy Scientists have unveiled the world's first contraceptive implant for men, with promising results so far in its clinical trials. Experts at a US-based biotech company called Contraline have been working on a non-hormonal water-soluble hydrogel, which is injected into a man's sperm duct to stop sperm from getting into the urethra, thereby preventing pregnancy. The effects last for two years before fertility goes back to normal, says the company. The product, called ADAM, is being tested on 25 men and the first human trial is currently 18 months into its three-year run. So far, two of the patients have reached the 24-month mark, and tests revealed they still have no sperm in their semen. There have been no serious adverse events reported so far, but further research will be taken to ensure ADAM is safe enough to be put on the market - and effective at preventing pregnancy. Dr Alexander Pastuszak, Contraline's chief medical officer, said: "Our goal was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, responding directly to consumer needs. "These findings confirm that ADAM, our novel water-soluble hydrogel, can achieve the intended lifespan. We remain optimistic about its safety, efficacy, and reversibility, and its potential to give men and couples greater reproductive control." To date, men have only had one barrier method of contraception - condoms - or can opt for a vasectomy, which severs the vas deferens - tiny tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This stops sperm from mixing with semen and being released at the point of ejaculation, which allows men to orgasm without risking pregnancy in their partner. The ADAM implant works in a similar way but is reversible because it doesn't involve surgery. Instead of sealing the tubes, ADAM is injected into the sperm duct (located just underneath the scrotum) and blocks sperm from travelling through the vas deferens. This means patients can still ejaculate, but there will be no sperm swimming inside his semen. Contraline's researchers say the gel implant is "minimally invasive" and can be injected in under 10 minutes, with the use of a local anaesthetic to prevent pain. After its lifespan, the gel breaks down into a liquid and is carried out of the body with its normal waste to allow a return to normal fertility. It comes as a male pill is also under development following some promising results in trials on mice. The hormone-free contraceptive tablet, called YCT-529 by its US developers, works by blocking access to vitamin A in the testes, which halts sperm production. Like ADAM, it promises to be fully reversible after patients stop taking it. Trials so far have found it blocks 99 percent of pregnancies on mice, which is the same as the female pill. "A safe and effective male pill will provide more options to couples for birth control," said Gunda Georg, chemist and pharmacist at the University of Minnesota. "It will allow a more equitable sharing of responsibility for family planning and provide reproductive autonomy for men."
Metro
08-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Coming soon to a penis near you — the ‘world's first' male contraceptive implant
When it comes to contraception, the burden has largely fallen on women to take responsibility – whether that be by taking the pill, getting the implant or having an IUD inserted. All of which, of course, come with a whole host of really, really fun potential side effects like nausea, weight gain, acne, mood swings and changes to periods. Working out which form of contraception to use can be tricky, but this conversation is set to get a lot more interesting… That's because the 'world's first' contraceptive implant for men could be coming soon to a penis near you – but you've to be pretty, erm, ballsy to try it as it involves an injection into the scrotum. Previously, men have only really had two options in this department: condoms or a vasectomy. But this new product would be a game-changer if it gets the green light. Developed by a US-based biotech company called Contraline, the product is known as ADAM, a non-hormonal water-soluble hydrogel, that's been described as a reversible contraceptive alternative. How does the male implant work? The gel is injected underneath the scrotum (the sac of skin that contains the testes) into a man's sperm duct. The procedure has been described as 'minimally invasive' and is thought to take around 10 minutes to complete, using local anaesthetic. The implant blocks sperm from travelling through the vas deferens – which takes sperm from the duct to the urethra – and stops it from mixing with semen, without impacting sensation or ejaculation. The results of the first round of clinical trials have recently been released and according to Contraline the gel successfully blocked sperm's release for up to 24 months. After this time, at the end of its lifespan, the gel breaks down and liquifies so that normal fertility can return. Up Next Are there risks involved with using the male implant? The first round of testing for the implant saw 25 participants given the implant, but all at different points in time. So far only two of the men have reached the 24 month mark and for both no sperm was detected in their semen. At present, no serious adverse events have been recorded for any of the participants, but further clinical trials are needed to prove its safety and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. As research continues on ADAM, Dr Alexander Pastuszak, Contraline's chief medical officer said: 'Our goal was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, responding directly to consumer needs. 'These findings confirm that ADAM, our novel water-soluble hydrogel, can achieve the intended lifespan. We remain optimistic about its safety, efficacy, and reversibility, and its potential to give men and couples greater reproductive control.' Would men use a male contraceptive like this? Research from YouGov previously found that one in three sexually active men would consider taking a male contraceptive – around the same percentage of women on the pill in the UK. At the time of the research, several men told Metro they would be on board with giving male contraception a go, including Thomas Ling, a science writer. He said: 'Absolutely I'd take it. Why not? It's merely shouldering responsibility. You'd have to be a jerk not to do it. 'It would be a really great thing for women – it would mean they'd have more of a choice, rather than simply being expected to take a hormonal contraceptive potentially long term. 'The biggest impact will be how men see women – they'll have a bit more understanding of what women have been forced to deal with for decades.' Thomas added: 'I definitely consider myself a feminist, but when first hearing about the side effects such as acne and mood swings, there was a small voice in my head saying 'yeah, I really don't want those. Why should I have to change my body?'. This was obviously then followed a second later with the thumping realisation that's how women have been forced into feeling for decades.' Jack Ashton also claimed he would be willing to try it, but did voice some concerns. 'I would take it myself, but I believe men might be laxer about taking a contraceptive religiously. We don't have the burden of carrying a child.' On social media, men seem much less keen on the idea today, with Reddit users branding the idea of the implant injection as 'horrendous', 'horrible' and 'f***ing awful'. Many, instead confessed they'd prefer to simply get the snip. A user known as u/dox1842 commented: 'I never had an issue with using condoms. I think it would be good if there were alternatives though but I would stick with the tried and true method.' While u/Quietus76 wrote: 'These options sound horrifying. I had a vasectomy. I'm not against male birth control, but all of these sound like they would make you miserable, and I'd have serious doubts about their effectiveness.' 'None of that sounds like something I would want to do,' replied u/thehumanbaconater. And u/syl702 added: 'Jesys those sound horrible, just get a vasectomy. It's an incredibly simple procedure.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@
Metro
08-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Coming soon to a penis near you — the 'world's first' male contraceptive implant
When it comes to contraception, the burden has largely fallen on women to take responsibility – whether that be by taking the pill, getting the implant or having an IUD inserted. All of which, of course, come with a whole host of really, really fun potential side effects like nausea, weight gain, acne, mood swings and changes to periods. Working out which form of contraception to use can be tricky, but this conversation is set to get a lot more interesting… That's because the 'world's first' contraceptive implant for men could be coming soon to a penis near you – but you've to be pretty, erm, ballsy to try it as it involves an injection into the scrotum. Previously, men have only really had two options in this department: condoms or a vasectomy. But this new product would be a game-changer if it gets the green light. Developed by a US-based biotech company called Contraline, the product is known as ADAM, a non-hormonal water-soluble hydrogel, that's been described as a reversible contraceptive alternative. The gel is injected underneath the scrotum (the sac of skin that contains the testes) into a man's sperm duct. The procedure has been described as 'minimally invasive' and is thought to take around 10 minutes to complete, using local anaesthetic. The implant blocks sperm from travelling through the vas deferens – which takes sperm from the duct to the urethra – and stops it from mixing with semen, without impacting sensation or ejaculation. The results of the first round of clinical trials have recently been released and according to Contraline the gel successfully blocked sperm's release for up to 24 months. After this time, at the end of its lifespan, the gel breaks down and liquifies so that normal fertility can return. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The first round of testing for the implant saw 25 participants given the implant, but all at different points in time. So far only two of the men have reached the 24 month mark and for both no sperm was detected in their semen. At present, no serious adverse events have been recorded for any of the participants, but further clinical trials are needed to prove its safety and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. As research continues on ADAM, Dr Alexander Pastuszak, Contraline's chief medical officer said: 'Our goal was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, responding directly to consumer needs. 'These findings confirm that ADAM, our novel water-soluble hydrogel, can achieve the intended lifespan. We remain optimistic about its safety, efficacy, and reversibility, and its potential to give men and couples greater reproductive control.' Research from YouGov previously found that one in three sexually active men would consider taking a male contraceptive – around the same percentage of women on the pill in the UK. At the time of the research, several men told Metro they would be on board with giving male contraception a go, including Thomas Ling, a science writer. He said: 'Absolutely I'd take it. Why not? It's merely shouldering responsibility. You'd have to be a jerk not to do it. 'It would be a really great thing for women – it would mean they'd have more of a choice, rather than simply being expected to take a hormonal contraceptive potentially long term. 'The biggest impact will be how men see women – they'll have a bit more understanding of what women have been forced to deal with for decades.' Thomas added: 'I definitely consider myself a feminist, but when first hearing about the side effects such as acne and mood swings, there was a small voice in my head saying 'yeah, I really don't want those. Why should I have to change my body?'. This was obviously then followed a second later with the thumping realisation that's how women have been forced into feeling for decades.' Jack Ashton also claimed he would be willing to try it, but did voice some concerns. 'I would take it myself, but I believe men might be laxer about taking a contraceptive religiously. We don't have the burden of carrying a child.' On social media, men seem much less keen on the idea today, with Reddit users branding the idea of the implant injection as 'horrendous', 'horrible' and 'f***ing awful'. Many, instead confessed they'd prefer to simply get the snip. More Trending A user known as u/dox1842 commented: 'I never had an issue with using condoms. I think it would be good if there were alternatives though but I would stick with the tried and true method.' While u/Quietus76 wrote: 'These options sound horrifying. I had a vasectomy. I'm not against male birth control, but all of these sound like they would make you miserable, and I'd have serious doubts about their effectiveness.' 'None of that sounds like something I would want to do,' replied u/thehumanbaconater. View More » And u/syl702 added: 'Jesys those sound horrible, just get a vasectomy. It's an incredibly simple procedure.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: BBC presenter, 40, announces pregnancy live on air after 'emotional' fertility struggle MORE: This is what happens to your body when you have babies in quick succession MORE: Pregnant Jesy Nelson asks for advice from hospital bed after giving health update
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'World's first' male contraceptive implant in trials: how it works
'World's first' male contraceptive implant in trials: how it works Men generally have two contraception methods: condoms and vasectomies. However, biotechnology company Contraline plans to change that with the 'world's first' contraceptive implant for men, Adam, now in Phase 2 of clinical trials. The contraception is a water-soluble hydrogel that is implanted in the sperm ducts, which prevents sperm from mixing with semen for at least two years. Contraline described it as 'like the IUD [intrauterine device], for men.' Here's what we know about the male contraceptive implant so far: How will the new male contraception work? The implantable contraceptive is a gel that is injected underneath the scrotum, the pouch of skin that contains the testicles. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It is designed to block sperm from travelling through the vas deferens — the duct transporting sperm from the testicle to the urethra — without impacting sensation or ejaculation. The hydrogel then liquifies at the end of its lifespan, so sperm can continue to flow. Contraline has shared the results of its Phase 1 clinical trial, revealing that Adam can successfully block sperm's release for 24 months. 'This is really exciting because our goal since day one has been to create a two-year-long male contraceptive — that is what the demand is for,' Contraline founder and chief executive Kevin Eisenfrats told the Guardian. 'We have the first data to show that that's possible.' How is it implanted? Adam is inserted into the scrotum through an injection, under local anaesthesia. Contraline described the procedure as 'minimally invasive' and said it should take 'less than 30 minutes.' Men generally have two contraception methods: condoms and vasectomies (PA Archive) Are there any risks? The biotechnology company reported no sperm detected in the semen of the two participants in the trial, and no serious adverse effects have been recorded. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement However, Adam is still in the early stages of clinical trials. The results from its Phase 1 clinical trial haven't yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and no data shows whether the implant is effective in preventing pregnancy. 'Men would need to check at regular intervals whether Adam was still totally effective as the two-year time window came to its end,' Dr Gill Lockwood, a consultant for Fertility Family told the Standard.. ''Home done' sperm tests are not totally reliable, and, as a fertility doctor, I am aware that ' miraculous' pregnancies occur with even very low sperm counts." The long-term effects of Adam are also largely unknown. There is little data to confirm that fertility is restored after the two years. There are also concerns that the incision could cause scarring and even permanent sterilisation. When will it be out? According to Med City News, Contraline wants Adam approved by 2028, with the possibility of an Australian approval even sooner. Why are male contraception methods so limited? Adam shows promising results, but the news still begs the question of why it has taken so long to get another male contraception method on the market. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Dr Jeff Foster, Director of Men's Health at Manual, told the Standard that part of the reason is practical. 'Unlike female contraception, which primarily targets ovulation (a once-a-month event), a male contraceptive would need to suppress millions of sperm, which would be potentially active every time you ejaculate,' he said. 'This means it would need to be something that permanently suppresses sperm production without interrupting key functions like testosterone.' Dr Foster added that 'societal expectation' is another factor that has put the onus of contraception on people with uteruses. 'Women carry a baby and therefore there is often a historical expectation that birth control is therefore the women's responsibility,' he said. 'As a woman, would you trust a new partner who says they are taking birth control? Sadly, it is easier for a male partner to remove himself from parental responsibility than it is a woman.'
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The 'IUD for men' is 100 per cent effective at blocking sperm for TWO YEARS - male contraceptive on its way
A non-hormonal male contraceptive that prevents sperm from leaving the body remains effective for at least two years, groundbreaking research suggests. The implantable contraceptive, known as Adam, is a gel that is injected underneath the scrotum. The Virginia-based company behind the product, Contraline, says this approach offers a convenient alternative to existing methods such as condoms and vasectomies. The hydrogel is designed to break down in the body after a set period of time, restoring fertility. Contraline has released findings of its study of 25 men that showed the gel successfully blocked the release of sperm for two years in the two participants who saw out the entirety of the trial. It said no serious adverse side-effects had been recorded though the results of the study do not include data on the reversibility of the implant. Founder Kevin Eisenfrats, told the Guardian: 'This is really exciting because our goal since day one has been to create a two-year-long male contraceptive – that is what the demand is for. 'And we have the first data to show that that's possible.' Researchers recruited 25 men at various points over the two year trial and injected them with the contraceptive. The implant was inserted via a minimally invasive procedure into the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testes, under local anaesthetic. Doctors then made a small incision underneath the scrotum to expose part of the vas deferens. They then injected the tube with the gel before reinserting it into the body and stitching the incision closed. All participants were monitored after the procedure and no serious adverse events were reported. All participants also experienced a drop in sperm count, indicating the contraception was effective in preventing sperm from leaving the body. Eisenfrats heralded these results as a 'great proof of the concept', with more results expected to follow. Adam is not the first experimental contraceptive that acts by blocking the function of the sperm ducts. This approach means that men can still experience ejaculation, because the fluid for this is produced in another area. Eisenfrat explained, however, that some of the other male-contraceptives currentlyon trial use materials that do not break down in the body, resulting in infertility. There are, however, concerns that such implants could cause scaring of the sperm ducts and lead to permanent sterilisation. Results from the Adam trial have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal and do not include real life data on whether the injection can prevent pregnancy. According to Eisenfrats, the hydrogel has been shown to break down over time in animal trials, revealing a short period of efficacy. 'The way to think about this is sort of like the IUD [intrauterine device] for men', the chief executive told The Guardian. He added that after a two-year period, men could decide whether to get another implant. The team are also reportedly working on a procedure to enable 'on-demand reversal', which would use at-home sperm tests to check whether contraceptive was still effective. For women, traditional non-hormonal intrauterine devices, also known as a copper coil or IUD, last for five to ten years, depending on the type of device used. After an IUD is removed, fertility levels are expected to return to previous levels right away. Some women opt for an intrauterine system, or IUS, which uses the release of the hormone progestogen to stop pregnancy. The hydrogel designed by Contraline does not interfere with a man's hormones. While the results of the Adam show promise, some experts have raised concerns over how reversible the gel is and have warned that sperm could find a way around the blockage, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. Professor Richard Anderson, an expert in hormonal male contraception at the University of Edinburgh, warned that at present it remains unclear how long a single implant lasts and it is yet to be shown that it can be removed. A major hurdle to male contraceptives, expert say is that they would need to interrupt the production of millions of sperm made every day. Most of the male birth control possibilities undergoing clinical trials target testosterone, blocking the male sex hormone from producing healthy sperm cells. Doctors say, however, the testosterone-blocking action can trigger weight gain, depression and increase cholesterol. The female contraceptive pill — which contains synthetic versions of female hormones estrogen and progesterone— has been linked with similar side effects.
