Alternative to vasectomy, male contraceptive gel is approved in tests with monkeys

                                                     Researchers at the University of California, United States have successfully completed tests on monkeys for a new type of male contraceptive gel.

According to experts, the drug has no contraindications and does not modify the production of male hormones.

The gel was applied to 16 adult male monkeys, 10 of whom had already been parents. The animals were monitored for a week with the remedy and then released with fertile females.                                                                                                      Mating occurred but none of the females became pregnant throughout the study, which included two complete breeding periods for some animals.

Called Vasalgel, the substance is injected into the canal that carries sperm to the penis and blocks its passage - just like vasectomy.

According to experts, the gel can work for up to 10 years.

Doctors said they want to start testing on humans in the coming years. If approved, the new method will be the first new male contraceptive to hit the market in many decades                                                                                                                            Men's Contraceptive                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Men currently have two main contraceptive options - the condom (which also prevents disease) or the sterilization operation - the vasectomy - to block the sperm's path to the penis.

Experts say Vasalgel has the advantage of having its effect reversed with a simple injection of sodium bicarbonate in the same channels.

In theory, that other injection should dissolve the gel - which worked in initial tests with rabbits. Researchers, however, have yet to prove the same effect in monkeys and in man.

A vasectomy may be reversible, but the operation is complicated and has no guarantee of success.

The idea of Vasalgel is not new. Another similar experiment with male contraceptive gel is also being tested in men in India. The difference is that Vasalgel was not designed to disable the spermatozoon - as is the case with the other gel, called RISUG.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              © California National Primate Research Center California Monkeys Test                                                                                                         http://www.msn.com/pt-br/noticias/ciencia-e-tecnologia (Http://www.msn.com/en/news/ciencia-andtechnology)