The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has made significant strides in reproductive health with the completion of clinical trials for the world’s first injectable male contraceptive, known as Reversible Inhibition of Sperm under Guidance (RISUG). This innovative method demonstrates remarkable safety and efficacy, presenting a promising option for male contraception.
The ICMR's recent clinical trials mark a milestone in contraceptive methods available to men. The phase-III trial results were published in the international open-access journal, Andrology, highlighting the potential impact of this contraceptive method.
The trials were multi-centre and conducted in various locations, including New Delhi, Udhampur, Ludhiana, Jaipur, and Kharagpur. Coordinated by ICMR and approved by the Drugs Controller General India (DCGI), these trials adhered to ethical standards set by institutional committees at each site.
The study involved 303 healthy, sexually active, married men and their wives, who sought family planning services or vasectomy options. This diverse participant group provided valuable insights into the method's effectiveness.
Participants received a 60 mg injection of RISUG. This method has demonstrated a remarkable 97.3% efficacy in achieving azoospermia and a 99.02% success rate in preventing pregnancy, all without significant side effects.
RISUG's effectiveness surpasses that of existing male and female contraceptives, positioning it as a frontrunner for inclusion in mass contraception programs. The need for modern male contraceptive methods is underscored by the increasing global population.
Although vasectomy is a reliable contraceptive, it has limitations that RISUG aims to address. An ideal male contraceptive should be minimally invasive, long-lasting, reversible, and preferably a single injection, which RISUG fulfills.
RISUG presents a novel approach to male contraception, allowing for localized injections without significant interactions with other body systems. This feature distinguishes it from hormonal contraceptives.
The introduction of male contraceptives like RISUG can have profound sociological implications. By shifting the responsibility of family planning from women to men, it promotes gender equality in reproductive decisions. This change may challenge traditional gender norms regarding masculinity and fertility. Furthermore, improved contraceptive access can reduce unplanned pregnancies, fostering better family planning and economic stability.
Q1. What is the efficacy of RISUG?
Answer: RISUG has shown a 97.3% efficacy in achieving azoospermia and a 99.02% success rate in preventing pregnancy, making it highly effective as a male contraceptive.
Q2. Where were the RISUG clinical trials conducted?
Answer: The clinical trials for RISUG were conducted in multiple cities, including New Delhi, Udhampur, Ludhiana, Jaipur, and Kharagpur.
Q3. Who coordinated the clinical trials for RISUG?
Answer: The trials were coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with approval from the Drugs Controller General India (DCGI).
Q4. What are the sociological implications of introducing male contraceptives?
Answer: Introducing male contraceptives like RISUG can enhance gender equality in family planning, empower men in reproductive decisions, and challenge traditional gender norms.
Q5. What are the advantages of RISUG over traditional vasectomy?
Answer: RISUG is minimally invasive, long-lasting, reversible, and designed as a one-time injection, addressing several limitations associated with traditional vasectomy.
Question 1: What is the efficacy rate of the RISUG method in achieving azoospermia?
A) 90.5%
B) 97.3%
C) 85.0%
D) 99.5%
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization coordinated the clinical trials for the injectable male contraceptive RISUG?
A) WHO
B) ICMR
C) DCGI
D) NIH
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the primary method used in the RISUG contraceptive trials?
A) Oral pills
B) 60 mg injection
C) Implants
D) Condoms
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Where were the RISUG clinical trials NOT conducted?
A) New Delhi
B) Udhampur
C) Mumbai
D) Jaipur
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is a significant sociological benefit of male contraceptives like RISUG?
A) Increased unplanned pregnancies
B) Greater gender inequality
C) Empowerment of men in family planning
D) Reduced contraceptive methods
Correct Answer: C
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