SALT LAKE CITY — Scientists at University of Utah Health are developing a new contraceptive gel for men. And based on preliminary research, the gel decreases a man’s sperm production while not reducing his sex drive=

Researchers are recruiting 12 couples to participate in a two-year study, as part of a Phase 2 clinical trial supported  by the National Institutes of Health.

“In our society, women have primarily been responsible for contraception because they, not necessarily men, have to live with the consequences,” said Dr. David Turok, chief of University of Utah Health’s  Division of Family Planning. “This is a fabulous opportunity for men to step up and take an active role in the development of new methods of contraception. By doing this, they can demonstrate to their partners that they’re invested in a better future for all of us.”

Participation in the study

Couples must meet certain criteria to be considered. Healthy men must be between ages 18-50, while women must be 18-34. A mutually monogamous relationship for at least one year and no fertility issue are also being sought among other criteria.

Regular testing is part of the study, which will pay couples up to $3,490 in compensation. Besides Salt Lake City, the study includes  Sacramento and Torrance, California; Denver; Kansas City; Philadelphia; Norfolk, Virginia; and Seattle. International testing is under way in Chile, Italy, Kenya, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

University of Utah Health scientists are testing a new contraceptive gel believed to decrease a man’s sperm production––reducing his chances of fathering a child––without decreasing his sex drive.

For more information, visit: https://t.co/cv3s0XQM4V pic.twitter.com/WqMGZMZdtu

— University of Utah Health (@UofUHealth) January 21, 2022