They will try the men's contraceptive gel in the United States

US government scientists will test an experimental method of contraception for men which would be a breakthrough and bring greater equality to the burden of family planning, led mainly by women.

] The study is in charge of National Institutes of Health and 420 couples will participate. The experimental treatment consists of a gel, applied on the back and shoulders, which combines two types of hormones to stop the production of sperm while maintaining the energy and libido benefits of testosterone.

"This gel would be the first contraceptive method controlled by the user for men since the appearance of the condom," said Diana Blithe, head of the contraceptive development program at the National Institute of Health of the child and human development. "We hope couples will want to use some form of acceptable contraception."

The gel is a mixture of progestin and testosterone. Researchers will examine its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. People who use condoms have a 12 to 13% chance of failing, while hormonal contraceptive pills are ineffective at around 7%.

"Some men may want to control their fertility and may or may not be in a monogamous relationship," said Blithe, who will participate as a researcher at the interview, during an interview telephone. "It would be an option for them."