Male contraception proven effective in Chinese study.

• Author: Kuo, Gioietta
• Position: EYE ON EARTH - Brief article

Researchers from the Beijing-based National Research Institute for Family Planning (NRIFP) have reported a new method for male contraception that is seen as effective, reversible, and without serious side effects.

"For couples who cannot or prefer not to use only female-oriented contraception, options have been limited to vasectomy, condoms, and withdrawal," said Yi-Qun Gu, a professor with NRIFP's male clinic research department. "Our study shows a male hormonal contraceptive regimen may be a potential, novel, and workable alternative."

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In a test trial, 1,045 healthy fertile males were injected monthly over a period of 30 months with 500 milligrams of a formulation of testosterone undecanoate in teaseed oil. The androgen works by dramatically reducing two regulatory brain chemicals, which in turn disrupts sperm production. During the 24-month study period, about 6.1 percent of men did not react to the treatment, and only 1.1 per 100 experienced...