Male contraceptive jab one step closer

A male contraceptive jab has been found to be as effective as the pill in preventing pregnancy, according to new research conducted in China.

Currently the only forms of contraception available to men are condoms, or a vasectomy which is usually irreversible.

In a two year study, Chinese scientists injected over a thousand men aged 20-45, with testosterone undecanoate on a monthly basis. All of the men had previously fathered at least one child two years prior to the start of the study, and none of their female partners had fertility problems.

The injections were found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, results which rival that of the female contraceptive pill. No serious side effects were reported, and the mens fertility returned to normal in all but two of the participants at the end of the study. The injections work by inhibiting sperm production.

Lead researcher Dr. Yi-Qun Gu, of the National Research Institute for Family Planning in Beijing said:

"For couples who can not, or prefer not to use only female-oriented contraception, options have been limited to vasectomy, condom and withdrawal. "

"Our study shows a male hormonal contraceptive regimen may be a potential, novel and workable alternative."

However, he also added that more studies were needed to determine the jab's safety, and it's effect on the heart and prosate gland. The research is due to be published in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

This article was published on Mon 4 May 2009