Australia is doing a trial of sperm-blocking gel implants called ADAM, which will be a temporary alternative to vasectomies. Researchers implant a non-hormonal hydrogel into the vas deferens, which will dissolve after two years.
ADAM is a delivery system made by Contraline, a medical device company. Additionally, the purpose of ADAM is to block sperm from travelling through the sperm duct. Moreover, it will have no effect on the sensation and ejaculation either. The sperms blocked naturally dislocate and absorb. Eventually, at the end of the hydrogel’s lifespan, it liquifies and the barrier to sperm flow is removed.
Urologist and principal investigator of the study, Professor Nathan Lawrentschuk
The trial is being conducted at Epworth Freemasons Hospital, Melbourne. It includes twenty-five participants, out of which four have already been injected. Moreover, it has been stated by Contraline that gel implantation is minimally invasive using local anesthesia. The procedure takes less than thirty minutes.
Lawrentschuk further said,
The clinical trial page claims the study will be completed by June 30th, 2025. Furthermore, the participants will give samples of their semen for three years to study how many of them have achieved complete azoospermia (zero sperm count). In addition to people who have achieved virtual azoospermia (sperm count less than 100,000 per millilitre and motility of 0%)
Lawrentschuk said,
Conclusion
Since there is generally a lack of options for male contraception, people are anxious to give this a try.
Kevin Eisenfrats, Co-Founder and CEO of Contraline said,