RISUG: A new perspective in non-hormonal male contraception

Abstract

Currently there are several hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception available but due to long term side effects of hormonal contraceptives, a great research is undergoing to develop an effective and noninvasive non-hormonal male contraceptive. One of the product of this research is RISUG (an acronym for the Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance). RISUG is a co-polymer of Styrene Maleic Anhydride (SMA) dissolved in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) to form a gel. This gel is then introduced in the lumen of male vas deferens which results in the partial blockage of vas deferens. It causes the disruption of the membrane of spermatozoa and release of enzymes that are essential for the fertilization of ova. Thus the ejaculation after RISUG contains infertile spermatozoa.