ENDO: New Male Contraceptive Gel Promises Quicker Sperm Suppression

A new male contraceptive gel has been shown to suppress sperm production more rapidly than other hormone-based methods, according to a phase 2 study revealed at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting held in Boston from June 1 to 4, 2024. The novel gel, a combination of segesterone acetate and testosterone, was tested on 222 healthy male participants.

The research, led by Danielle Gross from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health, aimed to ascertain how quickly sperm levels could be reduced to 1 million per milliliter or lower. Participants self-administered the gel daily, which contained 8 mg of segesterone acetate and 74 mg of testosterone.

Results showed that 86 percent of the men achieved the targeted sperm suppression. Specifically, 21 percent reached the desired sperm count reduction by the fifth week. This figure increased to 52 percent by the eighth week and 64 percent by the ninth week. The median time for achieving sperm suppression was noted to be eight weeks, with 82 percent of participants reaching suppression within 12 weeks and 86 percent by the 15th week of treatment.

Dr. Diana Blithe, the senior author of the study and also from the National Institutes of Health, emphasized the importance of developing a reliable and reversible male contraceptive method. "The development of a safe, highly effective, and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need," Blithe stated. She acknowledged that while some hormonal agents have shown potential for male contraception, the slow onset of sperm production suppression has been a significant drawback.

The findings from this study present a promising advancement in male contraception, addressing a critical gap in reproductive health options for men. The faster suppression of sperm production compared to other hormone-based methods could make this gel a viable option for men seeking reliable birth control. The study's promising results could pave the way for further research and eventual approval of this contraceptive gel for public use.