A substitute for the regular methods of contraception like condoms and vasectomy, reversible inhibition of sperm under Guidance (RISUG) involves an injectable drug that partially blocks tubes that carry sperm, providing effective contraception for up to 10 years per dose.
The contraceptive, which is in its advanced stages of clinical trial in India, is effective immediately and has proved to be reversible. “A top United States agency has approached us for transfer of technology of RISUG, the most promising of the potential male contraceptives. It is under consideration,” Dr R S Sharma, DDG, division of reproductive health and nutrition of Indian Council of Medical Research, said without elaborating. The RISUG was developed keeping in mind the disadvantages of the two most common male contraceptives available now- condoms and vasectomy.
“While vasectomies are not reversible, condoms have a high failure rate,” he said.
“With the RISUG, the sperm become functionally infertile and no pregnancies occur following intercourse. A drug can be again used to reverse the contraception,” he said.