A new contraceptive technique has been proposed and tested. The method uses a novel polymer which when injected into the vas deferens, lowers the pH sufficiently kill the spermatozoa passing through. The polymer itself does not degrade in the process but can be flushed out to regain fertility. Experiments carried out on rats demonstrate the efficacy of the technique so as to have non-surgical, non-occlusive and reversible male contraception.
PIP: A radically new technique of male injectable nonocclusive chemical contraception is presented which is claimed to be reversible, not conducive to immunological reactions, nonsurgical, and nonocclusive. The method basically involves infusion of a chemical agent into the vas deferens, but its basic principle of operation differs significantly from standard chemical techniques. A novel polymer was fabricated which when injected into the vas deferens does not affect the lumen and lowers pH sufficiently to kill any spermatozoa passing through the vas. In addition, the polymer does not degrade in the process but can be removed by flushing to reverse the spermicidal effects of its insertion. In vitro studies showed the pH to be as low as 3.5. In addition, in vitro spermicidal action of the polymer was tested, and each time the polymerized sperm were unable to uptake dye, confirming their death. Fertility trials, utilizing albino rats, proved the efficacy of this polymer in vivo: rats were treated with either normal saline solvent only (dimethyl sulfoxide), or dissolved polymer for 180 days, and at the conclusion of the trial, the fertility of saline-treated rats had 0% fertility. This technique has the potential for easy reversibility while not affecting the patency of vas deferens.