Appeal for male contraceptive jab testers

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Researchers appealed today for volunteers to test a new contraceptive injection for men.

University of Manchester researchers, working with nine other centres across the world, will ask men in stable relationships to take part in the trial of the hormonal form of birth control.

The study is partly funded by the World Health Organisation which is concerned about the lack of male contraception available compared to female methods.

The research, which follows a similar trial in China published earlier this month, will involve male volunteers aged 18 to 45 being given injections of testosterone for 12 months along with a second hormone that has been shown to reversibly suppress sperm production.

Safety tests have taken place on the hormones and showed only mild side-effects in a small number of individuals. At the end of the trial period, the men's sperm count will continue to be monitored to assess how quickly fertility levels return to normal.

Lead researcher Frederick Wu, Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology, said: ‘There is a great imbalance of contraceptive methods between men and women with almost 20 different female methods compared to only condoms and vasectomy for men.

‘The World Health Organisation wants to provide more male contraceptive choices - especially reversible methods - to allow couples to better plan their families.’

Anyone interested in volunteering can call free on 0800 040 7187.

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Friday 22 May 2009

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