Size dependent inhibition of sperm motility by copper particles as a path towards reversible male contraception

Effective inhibition of sperm motility using a spermicide can be a promising approach in developing non-invasive male contraceptive agents. Copper is known to have contraceptive properties and has been used clinically for decades as intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) for contraception in females. Beyond that, the spermicidal use of copper has not been explored much further, even though its use could also subdue the harmful effects caused by the hormonal contraceptive agents on the environment. Herein, we study the size, concentration and time dependent in vitro inhibition of bovine spermatozoa by copper microparticles. The effectivity in inhibiting the sperm motility is correlated to the amount of Cu2+ ions released by the particles during incubation. The copper particles cause direct suppression of sperm cell motility upon incubation and thereby show potential as sperm inhibiting, hormone free candidate for male contraception beyond condoms.

P–047 Knowledge, professional attitudes and training of health professionals on male contraceptive methods

Study question Among health professionals involved in contraceptive prescribing, what are the knowledge, professional attitudes and training on male contraceptive methods? Summary answer The health professionals involved in prescribing contraception are not sufficiently trained in male contraception and almost all of them want more. What is known already The most recent large-scale studies show that 70% of couple contraception is provided by women and that the majority of men and women would be willing to adopt male contraception as couple contraception. The medicalization of contraception places the medical profession at the forefront of the acceptability of and information regarding a contraceptive method. However, only one study have evaluated health professionals’ knowledge of the various methods of male contraception (MC), including male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC). Study design, size, duration Between April 2020 and June 2020, we carried out a descriptive prospective multicentre study in a medical population of 2243 prescribers of couple contraception in France. Participants/materials, setting, methods The participants were obstetrician-gynaecologists, medical gynaecologists, general practitioners or midwives. They completed a three-part numerical questionnaire, including i) sociodemographic characteristics and personal experiences with contraception, ii) knowledge and professional attitudes about male contraception and iii) training on male contraception. Main results and the role of chance The overall participation rate was 19% (340/2243). Condoms and withdrawal were known by 98% and 89% of the population, respectively. Vasectomy was known by 75% of the population and significantly better known by obstetrician-gynaecologists than by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners (p = 0.026). Male hormonal contraception (MHC) and male thermal contraception (MTC) were known by 10% and 23% of the population, respectively, and were significantly better known by medical gynaecologists and general practitioners than by other specialties (p < 0.001). More than half (55%) of the population never or infrequently offered MC during a couple’s contraceptive request consultation. Female practitioners offered MC significantly more often than male practitioners (48% vs. 26%; p = 0.033). Only 14% of the population had ever participated in training on MC, 96% wished to be better trained on MC, and 86% expressed a willingness to participate in such a training. Limitations, reasons for caution The population was mainly representative of medical health practitioners of southeastern France. There was an over-representation of women in all medical specialties, except for midwives. Wider implications of the findings: Our study shows that health professionals involved in contraception have limited knowledge about MC and are eager to have more information about it. To advance the acceptability and dissemination of such contraceptive methods, it seems imperative to provide health professionals with an adapted training program on male contraception. Trial registration number 2020–01–23–03

Penurunan Kualitas dan Kuantitas Spermatozoa Mencit (Mus musculus L.) Setelah Pemberian Ekstrak Rimpang Rumput Teki ( Cyperus rotundus L.)

The lack of participation of men in family planning programs is due to the limited choice of male contraceptive. Traditional medicinal plants are one of ideal alternative types of male contraception. This study aimed to study the effect of Cyperus rotundus L. rhizome on the quality and quantity of spermatozoa in male mice (Mus musculus L.). Twenty male mice were divided into four treatment groups, namely control group (C0), the dose of teki grass rhizome extract 4.5 mg/40 g BW (C1), the dose of teki grass rhizome extract 45 mg/40 g BW (C2), and the dose of teki grass rhizome extract 135 mg/40 g BW (C3) for 35 days. Parameters measured were the motility, viability, morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa. The data were analyzed for diversity and then further tested using the LSD test with a 5% significance level. The results of the analysis showed that giving teki grass rhizome extract had a significant effect on the motility, viability, morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa. It can be concluded that teki grass rhizome can be used as an alternative male contraception because it can reduce motility, viability, morphology, and spermatozoa concentration.