Long-lasting birth control jab for men within a year

A MALE contraceptive jab which lasts 10 years – and prevents men passing on HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases – could be available within a year.

The injection would be simpler than a vasectomy, experts say, while also being reversible and less painful.

Final trials have been completed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology and experts say the jab, called Risug – reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance – could be available within 12 months.

However, researchers are concerned men will avoid the procedure. Dr Amanda Wilson, a public health psychologist at De Montfort University, carried out research which found men were very hesitant about the jab. Her team linked the hesitancy to a general decline in men opting for vasectomies.

At the British Science Festival in Leicester, Dr Wilson said: “For a male pill, we’re still looking at between 30 and 50 years, but Risug is the male contraceptive that is closest to reaching the market. But we’re seeing a significant decrease in vasectomies.

“Scientists don’t know why. But until we get that social acceptability of vasectomy up globally, there’s not going to be as much social acceptability for Risug.”

It works by injecting a gel cocktail into the vas deferens. When it comes into contact with sperm, it ruptures their tails so they are incapable of fertilising an egg, even though the semen is still expelled.

The procedure takes a few minutes, and is reversible with an injection of water and baking soda.