DO WE FINALLY HAVE A REAL REVERSIBLE MALE CONTRACEPTIVE?

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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/

My journey started in 2018 when I went to another fertility doctor. I went through 3 IUI's which were not successful. Then went through 1 IVF cycle after PGS testing which failed in a miscarriage July of 2018. The doctor then went on saying I should consider donor egg as I was not going to be able to conceive with my own eggs. In looking for a second opinion that November my best friend and I stumbled into a video where Dr. Gliecher was speaking to help women past 35-40 get pregnant with their own eggs. I made a consultation appointment for Dec 5th 218 and Dr G stated I was going to get pregnant with my own egg. He ran tests and modified my treatment to my need. I had a retrieval on 2/3/2019 and transferred on 2/7/2019. I was pronounced pregnant on 2/19/2019 and my CHR miracle was born October of 2019. Today she is 5yrs old and is the most beautiful smart healthy loving kiddo I have been blessed by being her mother.

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I have already had multiple rounds of IVF that were not successful. I knew about the office from a famous book about fertility. The consultation with Dr.Barad was the best consultation I have had so far. He is very compassionate, talked to us as human beings and actually tried to get to know us and what we do. Not only that he also explained everything well to us and is very knowledgeable. He was so patient with my many questions and he also addressed my concern about one of my hormones that no other doctor paid attention to, even when I pointed it out to them. He explained the importance of fixing it and how to fix it. I am hopeful as he didn’t rush us into doing another round like other doctors do and wanted to fix my problem first even though I feel like I am on a time crunch. I appreciate his time as he spent almost two hours with us on the consultation and I don’t want to have crazy expectations but I am hopeful. Let’s hope the rest goes well and God is on our side. Thank you Dr.Barad

S.S. Google

My husband and I are beyond grateful to the incredible team at the Center of Human Reproduction for helping us achieve the pregnancy of our adorable baby boy. What truly sets this team apart is their personalized approach to each patient and couple. They took the time to understand our unique circumstances, tailoring a plan that was not only effective but also made us feel supported every step of the way. Infinite thanks to Dr. Barad and the team for their expertise and compassionate care, our dream of becoming parents has come true. We wholeheartedly recommend the Center of Human Reproduction to anyone on their fertility journey. Thank you for making our dream a reality!

G.R. Google

CHR was the answer to our prayers! They actually made our dream come true! Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, biologists and administrative support for everything!!

C.R. Google

I’ve gone to many fertility clinics over the course of 5 years. CHR is without a doubt the best in the business. Their expertise, Dr Barad’s compassion, organization, nurses, billing, phlebotomists are all top notch. I had 0 eggs fertilize elsewhere and 100% fertilization at CHR. If that’s not proof of their protocol and labs quality, then I don’t know what is. You are in great hands with CHR.

L.D. Google

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