By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – In a new study which was part of her master’s degree research in Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch graduate, Kyla Raoult, has revealed how men will soon take part in birth control.
This after University of Stellenbosch developed a male contraceptive through a safer, effective and reversible hydrogel product.
Raoult said this during a television interview on Sunday December 15, 2024. She said it is time for men to step up and contribute to the prevention of unplanned babies.
Explaining how the ground breaking study works, Raoult said a hydrogel is a soft jelly-like material that absorbs water and swells to form a 3D net-like network with pores.
“Essentially, what we are doing we are blocking the passage of sperms, we are not allowing them to reach the egg cell, therefore we are providing a perfect contraceptive that is not hormonal and is completely reversible.
“We insert this hydrogel into the vas deferens – the tube that carries sperm out of testicles and this hydrogel absorbs water and swells to form like a network of really tiny holes from inside of the structure and those holes are too small for the sperm to pass through and the sperm gets reabsorbed by the body,” Raoult explained.
The blocked sperm is then reabsorbed by the body, similar to what happens after a vasectomy.
The gel, which forms in the vas deferens in under a minute, can be injected into a patient at a doctor’s rooms.
Polymer Science graduate at University of Stellenbosch Kyla Raoult.
“The hydrogel is designed to stay in place until the patient wants to restore fertility. This technology could help men reduce their fertility, without the usual side effects of hormone blockers, and then restore it when they’re ready to start a family.
“It is important to note that the actual duration of contraception must still be studied and confirmed in clinical trials.”
Raoult said the process can be reversed by simply injecting a solution into the gel, that breaks the chemical bonds. She said her inspiration behind the contraceptive is that most contraceptives are designed for females.
“Men’s options are mostly limited to condoms, vasectomies and some hormone-based methods. Condoms aren’t always 100% effective and, since they are known to decrease sexual stimulation, they are often used incorrectly, if used at all,” she said.
Raoult added that vasectomies are excellent contraceptives, but their reversal often results in complications, and they are more of a permanent option.
“The hormonal options are still being tested, and their effectiveness has yet to be proven. They are also often associated with negative side effects. So, there is a clear need for a reversible, non-hormonal male contraceptive,” she said.
Raoult said that there is a growing interest among men to help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
“If our technology can provide men with a safe, one-time insertion, easily reversible option, I believe that the idea of men contributing to the prevention of unplanned and often unwanted pregnancies will be realistic.
Additional information from Eyewitness.
