Male contraception trial results in no pregnancies

[jamesinca]

Male contraception trial results in no pregnancies

JAMIE TARABAY, Associated Press Writer Monday, October 6, 2003

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(10-06) 20:46 PDT SYDNEY, Australia (AP) --

A hormone-based contraceptive treatment for men has prevented pregnancy among 55 couples during a 12-month test, researchers said Tuesday.

The study, a U.S. government-funded program sponsored by Virginia-based family planning organization CONRAD, was able to successfully and reversibly turn off sperm production in the men that took part, said Rob McLachlan, director of clinical research at Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia.

Australian researchers pitched the study and won financial backing from CONRAD, which often funds medical studies outside of the United States and works closely with the World Health Organization.

"This is the first time the combination of long-acting testosterone and a progestin have been used in an effectiveness study," McLachlan told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/10/06/international2212EDT0743.DTL

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[Occulus]

1. Damn! About time!

Now- are there any indications of long-term side effects or damage to the sperm produced after the drug is taken?

It's about time men were able to take a pill that temporarily and reliably renders them impotent. We owe the women we- ah- mate with that option if it finally becomes available.

(this from a man who has never bedded with the opposite sex. I still feel it's my gender's responsibility, too...)

[jamesinca]

2. They do not know the long term yet

Has not been around long enough to know if any cancers appear, or other side effects. They do know that in the short term it lowers the sperm count.

[ReadTomPaine]

3. "Impotent" is probably the wrong word to use here..

...I think you meant "infertile"