Long-lasting, reversible contraceptive for men coming soon. ICMR study shows promising results

Soon, men could also have a long-lasting, reversible contraceptive option. After a seven-year follow-up of 303 healthy male volunteers, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that a non-hormonal injectable contraceptive called RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm under Guidance) is both safe and effective. As per a TOI report, this study is considered a significant step towards providing a long-lasting and reversible contraceptive option for men.

The open-labelled and non-randomized phase-III study, published in the international open access journal Andrology, involved sexually active and married male subjects aged between 25 and 40 years. These subjects were selected from family planning clinics and were injected with 60 mg of RISUG.

The results of the study are encouraging, showing that RISUG provides long-lasting sterility while also being reversible. This means that men using RISUG can have their fertility restored when they decide to have children.


The development of a male contraceptive has long been a topic of research and discussion. With this breakthrough, the field of contraception is set to undergo a significant transformation. RISUG has the potential to provide men with more control over their reproductive choices and share the responsibility of family planning with their partners.

While the study is a major milestone, further research and regulatory approvals are needed before RISUG can be made widely available. However, the positive outcomes of this study bring hope for the future of male contraception.