A major leap in male contraception has arrived: Contraline’s ADAM™, a non‑hormonal hydrogel injected into the vas deferens, has shown up to two years of sperm-blocking effectiveness in early human trials — with zero sperm detected in participants at the 24-month mark and no serious side effects reported.
Unlike condoms or vasectomy, ADAM is reversible, meant to eventually dissolve, and preserves ejaculation without affecting sensation.
Developed by biotech startup Contraline, ADAM™ is a hydrogel injected into the vas deferens — the same tube snipped in a vasectomy.
But here’s the game-changer: instead of cutting anything, the gel simply acts as a roadblock for sperm, and over time, it safely dissolves, allowing fertility to return naturally. No daily pills. No permanent decisions. Just one outpatient procedure that takes minutes and could offer years of peace of mind.
In phase 1 trials, over two dozen men were given the injection, and early results are eye-opening. After 30 days, sperm counts dropped dramatically — and at the 24-month checkpoint, several men had zero detectable sperm.
Side effects? Minor and temporary, such as mild discomfort or swelling — nothing unexpected.
As urologist Dr. Joshua Bodie pointed out, this could mark a “huge shift” in how couples approach birth control. And let’s be honest — it’s about time. Women have long carried the contraceptive burden, often with hormone-related side effects or invasive procedures.
ADAM™ offers a new kind of balance, giving men a simple and responsible way to share that load without altering their hormones or sexual function.
Convenience, equity, and reversibility are rarely part of the male birth control conversation. This innovation offers all three — and it’s inching closer to real-world use, with phase 2 trials set to launch in Australia.
So, what if men could take the reins of contraception — with no pills, no surgery, and no hormones? That future might be closer than you think.
“ADAM represents a potential breakthrough in male contraceptive options,” says Contraline.
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