In the realm of reproductive health, contraceptive options have traditionally been focused on female-centric methods, such as oral contraceptive pills and female intrauterine devices (IUD). However, the landscape is evolving, and a groundbreaking development has emerged – ADAM, the world’s first implant designed to provide men with long-lasting contraception. It is essentially like the IUD, but for men (Contraline, 2022).
In fact, ADAM is the major development in male contraception since the vasectomy. Consisting of a water-soluble hydrogel, ADAM is injected into the vas deferens, a pair of tubes that transports sperm (Contraline, 2022). From this, it is designed to block sperm from travelling through the vas deferens and does not affect sensation or ejaculation (Contraline, 2022). In turn, sperm that are blocked naturally will degrade and become absorbed. After two years, the hydrogel will liquefy and remove the barrier to sperm flow (Contraline, 2022).
Figure 1: How ADAM contraceptive works (Andrews, 2024).
In 2022, Contraline began clinical trials for ADAM in Australia. Professor Nathan Lawrentschuk, a urologist from Epworth Freemasons and the study’s principal investigator, expressed that “The three-year study will investigate whether the hydrogel is successful as a non-permanent, long lasting male contraceptive. If it is successful, it could be a game-changer, ensuring that contraception is a shared responsibility between couples” (Epworth, 2022).
In the study, participants with normal semen parameters were divided into two groups receiving different amounts of hydrogel, which reported a 100% success rate in implantation (Kato, 2024). Trial data also demonstrated a 99.6-100% reduction in motile sperm within 30 days of implantation (Adams, 2024). No severe reactions and mild adverse effects were reported. Furthermore, participants are undergoing regular health checks and providing semen samples for three years to be investigated (Epworth, 2022). This will help monitor for any long-term effects of ADAM. Therefore, the preliminary outcomes of ADAM have been demonstrating its safety and efficacy (Kato, 2024). The company aims to submit an investigational device exemption application to the FDA by the end of the year. This pivotal step would pave the way for the startup to initiate the necessary clinical testing required for ADAM's potential approval by the FDA (Adams, 2024).
ADAM offers several benefits. For instance, the procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive where local anesthesia is used. Furthermore, once injected, ADAM provides long-term protection without the need for frequent interventions (Contraline, 2022). Unlike many female contraceptives, ADAM is non-hormonal, which can address concerns related to hormonal side effects (Contraline, 2022). The gel can also be imaged and monitored with ultrasound, making it easy for regular check-ups. Finally, a major advantage is its reversibility by removing the device (Contraline, 2022).
Overall, this innovative contraceptive approach is transforming reproductive health. By providing men with a reversible, long-term contraceptive option, societal shifts in attitudes are also observed as men are now offered more options and an active role in family planning. Therefore, increased access to contraceptive options can alleviate the current disproportionate burden and responsibility of contraception on women (Shepherd, 2023).
References
Adams, K. (2024, January 4). Trial Data Looks Promising for “IUD For Men.” MedCity News.
Andrews, L. (2024, January 5). An “IUD” for men is 99% effective in blocking sperm, study
finds. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12930619/iud-men-
Contraline. (2022). Contraline. Contraline. https://www.contraline.com/
Epworth. (2022, November 10). Male contraceptive implanted at Epworth Freemasons in
world first - Epworth HealthCare. Epworth. https://www.epworth.org.au/newsroom/
Kato, B. (2024, January 5). “IUD for men” shows “positive” results on par with vasectomy in
early trials. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/01/05/lifestyle/iud-for-men-shows-
Shepherd, T. (2023, December 29). Why is Australia still waiting for a male contraceptive pill?