Finally. A new form of birth control for men may be available to the public as early as 2017. Yes, ladies, it is actually going to happen. Cue celebratory dance.
According to the Parsemus Foundation, Vasalgel is a non-hormonal contraceptive option that has proved so successful in trials with baboons that scientists believe they’re just about ready to start testing it on humans. The contraceptive requires a single treatment to be effective, as opposed to female oral contraception which necessitates a daily dose.
With this non-hormonal option, women can opt out of taking oral contraception with their partner, thereby avoiding any hormonal issues caused by the Pill.
But how does it work? I’m glad you asked.
Vasalgel is actually an injection into the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm, where it forms a sort of plug. This will prevent sperm from passing through, AKA, no swimmers will make it up the channels to fertilize a woman’s egg. Now since your man has probably sprinted half-way to Canada after hearing “injection” let’s clarify: this procedure is less traumatic, and reversible, than a vasectomy, and will likely offer a local anesthetic. If a woman can squeeze an eight pound infant out of her body, men can take a small prick to the scrotum.
Vasalgel will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases of course, so condoms are still a must. But this is a truly groundbreaking development, and with a new birth control option, unwanted pregnancies will likely lower significantly.
This medical breakthrough not only increases the safety of intimate relationships, but also debunks the way society normally controls women’s bodies (as most forms of birth control are for women). Offering an option to regulate men’s bodies makes sex even safer, and is also proof that feminism and our society are working together to move in the right direction. Equality and birth control for all!
Read more about Vasalgel here.
Photo via Science Alert, bustle.com
