Scientists develop new birth control jab for men

SCIENTISTS have developed a birth control jab for men.

The injection works by blocking sperm, with a success rate in trials of almost 96 per cent.

However, a report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed the trials also produced some side effects, including muscle pain, acne and depression.

Chris Barratt, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Dundee, has welcomed the new study.

He said: “This is high-quality research from a very experienced group of investigators, and as there has been no progress in male contraceptives for 40-plus years this is a very significant and welcome development.

“Additionally, the fact that the study reports relatively low side-effects and good ease of use are real world developments.

“The study involved a reasonable number of patients, so the results are likely to be robust.”

More than 300 volunteers aged 18 to 45 took part in the research. The treatment uses a combination of the hormonal contraceptives progestogen and androgen over the course of up to 26 weeks to suppress sperm counts, with an injection being administered every month or so.

Scientists have said women who have health-related difficulties with contraceptives that are currently available will benefit from a male version, which will also address issues regarding shared responsibilities in family planning.

Dr Mario Festin, of the World Health Organisation, Geneva, said: “The study found it is possible to have a hormonal contraceptive for men that reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies in the partners of men who use it.

“Our findings confirmed the efficacy of this contraceptive method previously seen in small studies.”