Male birth control gel shows promising results in clinical trials [Video]

A new study has shown promising results for an innovative male birth control gel, bringing contraceptive equality one step closer to reality.

The gel combines two hormones, segesterone acetate (known as Nestorone) and testosterone, to suppress sperm production while maintaining testosterone levels, and is applied topically to a man’s shoulders once daily.

The results from phase 2b of the clinical trials being conducted at sites across the globe show the male contraceptive gel suppresses sperm production faster than similar experimental hormone-based methods, according to the Endocrine Society.

In order to be considered for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a drug typically goes through four clinical trial phases to test its effectiveness and safety.

Researchers with the National Institutes of Health’s Contraceptive Development Program presented the findings at the Endocrine Society’s annual conference in Boston on Sunday.

Over 200 men completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the contraceptive gel. According to UC Davis Health, …