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

United States government scientists will test a experimental contraceptive method for menThis would be a breakthrough and bring greater equality to the burden of family planning, mainly driven 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 to the back and shoulders, which combines two types of hormones to stop sperm production while maintaining the energy and libido benefits of testosterone.

"This gel would be the first method of user-controlled contraception for men since the appearance of the condom," said Diana Blithe, head of the contraceptive development program of the National Institute of children's health and human development. "We hope couples want to use an acceptable method of contraception."

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

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