Scientists predict that males may soon be able to receive a contraceptive injection that lasts for ten years, putting an end to “the snip.”
The Risug vaccine could be available within a year.
The injectable developed by experts at the Indian Institute of Technology has completed its final tests.
It is regarded as superior to a vasectomy since it is less painful and reversible.
However, British researchers examining the likelihood of the jab’s acceptance in the United States reported that many males may be hesitant.
Dr. Amanda Wilson, a public health psychologist at De Montfort University, said at the British Science Festival in Leicester that men were extremely reluctant to receive the vaccination.
She stated that the number of men undergoing vasectomies is decreasing, and reluctance toward the injection may reflect this. Dr. Wilson stated, “For a male pill, we’re still looking at between 30 and 50 years, but Risug is the closest male contraception to reaching the market.” However, we are observing a substantial decline in vasectomies.’
She stated to The Sunday Telegraph, “Scientists do not understand why.” But until we increase the social acceptability of vasectomy globally, Risug will not have as much social acceptability.’
Risug is a gel that destroys the sperm’s tails, preventing them from fertilizing an egg.
The operation can be reversed by injecting baking soda and water. However, sterilization operations for both men and women have decreased during the past decade.
In 2010-11, 19,510 vasectomies were performed in NHS institutions; by 2020-21, this number had decreased by 77% to 4,486.
Sterilizations of women in NHS hospitals have likewise decreased by 50%, from 15,189 in 2010-11 to 7,665 in 2020-21.
According to the manufacturers of Risug, which stands for Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance, the injection permits men to be more spontaneous than when using condoms.
The contraceptive utilizes styrene maleic anhydride, a polymer that plugs the sperm channel. The chemical was initially employed to coat pipes in India’s rural water systems, where it was discovered to be antibacterial.
Tests on rabbits, rats, and monkeys revealed a comparable impact on sperm. Risug has completed multiple human clinical trials in India and is pending approval from the country’s medical authorities.
In the United States, Vasalgel, a comparable contraceptive for men, is now in development.
Dr. Wilson stated, “I believe it would be of great advantage to women if they did not have to worry about their partner taking a pill.” It provides a little more tranquility.’
Not being dependent on hormones is an advantage of the vaccine. In the past, attempts to produce a male contraceptive pill based on sex hormones failed due to side effects in males, such as acne and mood swings – both of which are typical side effects in tablets for women.
