The first tests of a new pill contraceptive for men were successful.

Scientists for many years looking for an effective toolcontraception for men, which can be a safe alternative to condoms. Different scientific groups offered various gels, injections and pills, but all of them actually proved to be ineffective, and in most cases dangerous to health. At the annual endocrine society conference (ENDO 2019), which ended today, scientists from the University of Washington made a report in which they reported on successful clinical trials of a new contraceptive drug for men. According to the authors of the development, the drug can be called safe. A description of the development and research is contained in a JCEM journal article.

The working name of the drug is 11-beta-MNTDC, whichstands for 11-beta-methyl-19-nortestosterone-17-beta-dodecyl carbonate. His test was conducted with the participation of 40 male volunteers. Thirty of them were given medication, the remaining ten were given a placebo. The study was conducted within 28 days. Drug 11-beta-MNTDC was administered once a day with food. The dose taken varied from 200 to 400 milligrams.

The drug 11-beta-MNTDC contains the formprogesterone: a steroid hormone that blocks the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Both are needed to produce sperm. To simultaneously compensate for the decrease in male hormones, the tool also contains androgens (male steroid sex hormones produced by the sex glands). The presence of androgens in the preparation, according to scientists, allows you to save various signs of "masculinity": hair, low voice, libido and muscle mass.

The study notes that those whoHe took the drug 11-beta-MNTDC, the level of the hormones Luteinizing (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating (FSH) significantly decreased. A check on the placebo control group confirmed these results. At the same time, scientists say that the main task of the study was not to test the effectiveness of the drug, but to ensure its safety. At the end of the experiment, scientists learned the following from volunteers: five reported a change in libido, two experienced mild erectile dysfunction, and some volunteers also noted weakness and headaches. However, for hormone-based drugs, which, as a rule, lead to more serious side effects, the researchers describe the effects voiced by volunteers as moderate.

Despite promising results,Researchers say this is only the beginning of studies on 11-beta-MNTDC. At the moment, scientists are planning to conduct research aimed directly at measuring the level of sperm production, which may take at least three months. In addition, researchers are going to compare the efficacy of 11-beta-MNTDC with a functionally similar drug called dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU).

Depending on what the results will beThese studies will depend on how soon the commercial version of the hormonal contraceptive for men can appear on the market. As a safe term, scientists call about 10 years. Sounds long, but scientists want to make sure not only that the drug is completely safe, but also its effectiveness in reducing sperm production to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

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