DO WE FINALLY HAVE A REAL REVERSIBLE MALE CONTRACEPTIVE?

icon-person

Our Team

icon-calendar

1/14/2025

DO WE FINALLY HAVE A REAL REVERSIBLE MALE CONTRACEPTIVE?

This is what, according to an article by Derek Bagley in Endocrine News, the audience at Endo 2024 believed after presentation of an abstract about a male contraceptive gel that suppressed sperm production faster than anything else proposed before. Supposedly the Boston Convention Center “was abuzz.”1

The treatment was presented as a Phase 2b clinical trial of a gel applied to both shoulders, which contained segesterone acetate (called Nestorone, also an ingredient of the Annovera vaginal birth control ring) and testosterone. A total of 222 men completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the gel, which contained eight milligrams of segesterone acetate and 74 milligrams of testosterone. Study subjects applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade (to reduce the risk of exposing the gel to others).

The gel induces an endocrine feedback loop between the pituitary and the gonads, which involves secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary that causes the testes to make testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Segesterone acetate stops the pituitary from secreting LH and FSH, shutting down the production of testosterone. Local testosterone concentration in testes is higher than in blood; when testosterone falls below a threshold, the testes stop producing sperm. But men would like to maintain a normal libido and muscle mass, so the gel replaces testosterone in blood, though without it accumulating in the testes.

As the article also noted, researchers see male contraception as a women’s health issue since women are the ones who get pregnant if they don’t have a contraceptive, and women don’t always have the best experiences with contraceptives.

REFERENCE
1. Bagley D. Endocrine News. October 2024. https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/shouldering-responsibility-could-a-male-contraceptive-gel-be-a-birth-control-game-changer/

DO WE FINALLY HAVE A REAL REVERSIBLE MALE CONTRACEPTIVE?

This is what, according to an article by Derek Bagley in Endocrine News, the audience at Endo 2024 believed after presentation of an abstract about a male contraceptive gel that suppressed sperm production faster than anything else proposed before. Supposedly the Boston Convention Center “was abuzz.”1

The treatment was presented as a Phase 2b clinical trial of a gel applied to both shoulders, which contained segesterone acetate (called Nestorone, also an ingredient of the Annovera vaginal birth control ring) and testosterone. A total of 222 men completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the gel, which contained eight milligrams of segesterone acetate and 74 milligrams of testosterone. Study subjects applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade (to reduce the risk of exposing the gel to others).

The gel induces an endocrine feedback loop between the pituitary and the gonads, which involves secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary that causes the testes to make testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Segesterone acetate stops the pituitary from secreting LH and FSH, shutting down the production of testosterone. Local testosterone concentration in testes is higher than in blood; when testosterone falls below a threshold, the testes stop producing sperm. But men would like to maintain a normal libido and muscle mass, so the gel replaces testosterone in blood, though without it accumulating in the testes.

As the article also noted, researchers see male contraception as a women’s health issue since women are the ones who get pregnant if they don’t have a contraceptive, and women don’t always have the best experiences with contraceptives.

REFERENCE
1. Bagley D. Endocrine News. October 2024. https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/shouldering-responsibility-could-a-male-contraceptive-gel-be-a-birth-control-game-changer/

I really appreciate Dr. Gleicher for not dismissing me because of my age. I have more hope for our family building working with his team.

A.J. Google

The best in vitro clinics are not only professional, they also treat you as if you were part of the family. I have my 6-year-old daughter thanks to that great team.

T.Z. Google

Dr Gleicher and Dr Barad changed our lives! After many failed ivf attempts and miscarriages from natural conceptions, I booked a call with Dr Gleicher as his YouTube on being hypoallergenic and thyroid issues can cause miscarriage. He correctly diagnosed me on the phone and then confirmed with blood tests I have an autoimmune disorder (ANA positive) and need steroids the first trimester. He implanted 2 embryos (created when I was 43/44 and at age 47 I got pregnant!) I have a healthy 3 year old now. I only wish I would have talked to him earlier. Dr Barad did the implantation and has a great technique, this is art and science! I can’t thank them enough!

A.B. Google

The most knowledgeable, professional and caring medical staff. Feel truly cared for during this difficult journey.

A.B. Google

Our daughter had her first birthday on February 6th. She’s extremely smart, and super sweet. She brings us so much joy, and we can never adequately thank Dr. Barad enough for all his help to make it possible!

B.B. Office Visit

219

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-half
privacy We respect your privacy
*All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.