In the spring of 2016, we reported about the invention of a male contraceptive long-acting non-hormonal Vasalgel gel. Then its effect was tested on rabbits, and now on monkeys. The experiment showed that an innovative contraceptive may soon become a safer alternative to vasectomy.
Vasalgel high molecular weight gel-like polymer which can function as a reversible alternative to vasectomy. In the new study, researchers led by Dr. Katherine Vandevort from the National center of Primatology in California have tested it on monkeys. The results are published in the journal Basic and Clinical Andrology.
Vasalgel is injected into the VAS deferens paired organ male reproductive system, which transportorul sperm from the testicles to the urethra. Inside the duct, the gel forms a barrier that blocks the movement of sperm.
In the new study, Dr. Vandevort used a test group of 16 adult male macaques and a control group of their relatives, who have previously undergone a vasectomy. During the procedure, animals were anesthetized with ketamine and injected with a syringe 100 MICS of gel through a small incision.
This dose Vasalgel will form inside the VAS deferens barrier up to 2 cm in length. To help animals to cope with the pain, within 7 days after surgery, they were administered analgesics. Then the monkeys returned to their familiar surroundings where they copulated with females within one breeding season (about 6 months). In such circumstances, the pregnancy in Mature females usually occurs in 80% of cases.
The researchers reported that after injection of Vasalgel males are unable to fertilize the females.
Vasalgel is safe and causes less complications than a vasectomy
The authors reported the presence of macaques minor complications, which are traditionally associated with the vasectomy. One male, for example, has developed spermatogenic granuloma penetration of sperm from the ejaculatory ducts into the stroma of the testis. After vasectomy this condition occurs in approximately 60% of cases, but in this study, its frequency was slightly more than 3%.
Our study showed that injection of Vasalgel provides reliable contraception in Mature rhesus monkeys that confirmed a lack of pregnancies among healthy females. It is important to note that this method is safer and causes less complications than a vasectomy, says Katherine vandervort.