Scientists use magnets and testicles to prevent pregnancy in males in mice

sÃO PAULO, SP (FOLHAPRESS) – Scientists have developed magnetic and biodegradable nanoparticles, which were applied to male rodents, and served as a contraceptive method. Although it is only made in mice, it could inspire the development of male contraceptives for humans in the future.

The research was published in the journal Nano Letters of the American Chemical Society.
Scientists from Nantong University and Shanghai University, both in China, injected mice, for two days, with doses of nanoparticles coated with citric acid.

The particles were guided into the testicles of the animals with the help of magnets, and for 15 minutes, magnetic fields were immediately applied.

This procedure increased the temperature of the testicles, and therefore spermatogenesis – the generation of spermatozoa – was contained.
The fertility of the animals was estimated between 7 and 60 days after treatment. In addition, male mice were housed with females for seven days. After mating, the animals were separated.

According to the researchers, in the seven days that followed the application of nanoparticles and magnetic fields, the animals were unable to give birth to offspring. But the rodents recovered 30 to 60 days after treatment.

Thinking of humans – something very far from the reality of the research tests mentioned above – while there are many contraceptives for women, men mainly rely on vasectomy and condoms, the latter also being of great importance for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) ).

There are studies that have been developed over decades to create other male contraceptives, usually focused on spermatogenesis.

However, contraception for men faces some difficulties. In the case of hormones for example, as well as in female methods, there are side effects, such as acne, a difference in libido, mood changes, headaches, and erectile dysfunction, according to some studies. There is also no knowledge of the long-term effects on fertility and latency (how long it takes for an intervention to become effective).

In general, the greatest difficulty lies in obtaining a method that has few side effects and is reversible.