The only male contraceptives available are a vasectomy and a condom, which prevent sperm from reaching the egg, preventing pregnancy. The condom is the most used method, because, besides being practical, it is completely reversible. Vasectomy, as it is a more definitive method, is used by men who no longer intend to have more children.
Learn more about how vasectomy works.
However, in recent years, several surveys have tried to find a contraceptive reversible to join the condom and give more options to men. Two of the most promising theories are the development of a gel that is inserted into the vas deferens and a pill that reduces the movement of sperm.
How Contraceptive Gel Works
This form of male contraceptive consists of the application of a gel, called Vasalgel, in the vas deferens, which acts by blocking the passage of spermatozoa for up to 10 years.
The vas deferens are located in the testicles and carry the spermatozoa, so what Vasalgel does is prevent its passage, as it happens in the vasectomy, for up to 10 years. However, it is possible to reverse this situation by applying an injection of sodium bicarbonate in the place, which is rarely possible in the vasectomy.
Vasalgel has no contraindications, nor does it modify the production of the male hormones, however, it is still in the testing phase, and is expected to be ready in 2017, with an estimated cost of about 1500 reais.
How Contraceptive Pill Works
Researchers at a university in England have discovered a substance that is capable of making men temporarily infertile. For this, the compound deactivates a protein present in the tail of the sperm that prevents it from moving, preventing it from reaching the egg.
Thus, in theory, it will be possible to add the substance in a tablet and produce a contraceptive pill similar to that of the woman, which can be released until 2021.
