Male birth control gel that suppresses sperm production works faster than other hormone-based methods

A new male birth control gel takes effect in just eight weeks – sooner than similar contraceptive methods – according to a study.

Researchers discovered the gel, which is applied to the shoulder blades, works faster than other experimental hormone-based contraceptive methods for men.

It combines segesterone acetate and testosterone to suppress sperm production.

For the study, 222 men applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade and took part in sperm count tests.

According to the findings, presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, 86 per cent of men had a significantly reduced sperm count by week 15.

Among them, sperm production was suppressed, on average, even before eight weeks.

Researchers say prior studies of male hormonal contraceptives given by injections showed an average time between nine and 15 weeks for sperm output to become suppressed.

Researcher Diana Blithe, of the US National Institutes of Health, said: “The development of a safe, highly effective and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need.”