Dozens of men rush to volunteer for temporary vasectomy experiment

A new experimental method could revolutionize male contraception. The study, which is underway in Melbourne, Australia, could lead to the world's first «temporary vasectomy» through a revolutionary contraceptive implant for men, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

«If successful, it could be a game changer, ensuring that contraception is a shared responsibility between couples,» Professor Nathan Lorenstak, a urologist and head of the study, told the newspaper, adding that «There has never been such an option for men.».

The doctor was also surprised by the number of volunteers who willingly signed up to participate in the experimental phase of the research. They were more than willing to place this important part of themselves under the control of the scientific team, which works in such a revolutionary way.

«We were amazed. We only advertised on social media, and the demand was so high that we had to close the website after two days,» he said. «I was incredibly charmed by this. We had hundreds of men applying and we had to close the process.».

Lorenzak is piloting something called the ADAM study, in which hydrogel is injected into the vas deferens—the ”tubes” that carry sperm—to prevent the ”little swimmers” from leaving the testicles. The procedure is also said to be minimally invasive and does not even require a scalpel, according to a report in the New York Post.

From the countless volunteers — aged 18 to 70 — only 25 men, mainly between 30 and 40 years old, were selected. So far, four have had the injection. It will take about three years of research to determine the effectiveness of the hydrogel to see if it is a permanent contraceptive for men. Lorentzak noted that the hydrogel «dissolves after two years» and that the procedure could be repeated whenever and if necessary.

«We are confident that it is very safe. I suppose the biggest risk is that it might not work,» he said. «But we monitor their sperm analyses very regularly.».

The doctor also said that the success of the project could take a huge weight off women's shoulders. «Some women after childbirth cannot use contraception for obvious reasons, but they may not want to have another child within a few years of having their previous child, and this would be a good option for them without having to take the pill,» added the head of the research.

It may also be a very good way to prevent accidental pregnancies. If it proves effective in the first phase, the sample size will be increased to 50 participants and men from the US will also be selected.

But even if participants suddenly change their minds after the experiment, Lorenstak says there are ways that could lead to conception. «Various in vitro fertilization techniques could actually be used to extract sperm if someone desperately wanted to have a child under certain circumstances, even though theoretically they would not yet be ejaculating,» he said.