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Contraception for Men
Posted 17 February 2010
Interested in joining the male contraception study? Call 1300 765 671
The research team are seeking healthy couples who are not planning a pregnancy for next two years.
Interested men need to be 18-45 years and in good health.
Visit the study page www.princehenrys.org/male-contraception-trial
How far are we from the wide availability of a hormone based method of contraception for men - the equivalent of the contraceptive pill for women? The idea has a long history with researchers at the institute playing a key role in demonstrating the proof of principle that it works.
In the next stage PHI is one of only 8 sites worldwide that are collaborating in an international clinical trial which will involve 400 couples. The study is supported by the World Health Organisation.
Study leader Professor Rob McLachlan went on air in February to launch the call for volunteer couples to take part in the study. He was interviewed in depth by "Dr Feelgood", Sally Cockburn, on her popular 3AW radio show. The media coverage attracted the attention of dozens of couples interested in being part of the study.
"Studies here and internationally show there is significant community support, and that many men would welcome the opportunity for more involvement in family planning" says Professor Mclachlan.
The trial is an important part of PHI's goal to increase the contraceptive options available to both men and women. Whilst Australian men have one of the highest rates in the world of vasectomy, the male hormonal approach could provide a practical alternative for many of them.