A new contraceptive gel could save men from having a vasectomy, researchers say.

Non-toxic liquid is injected into a tube in the scrotum and blocks sperm leaving the body.

It had fewer complications than a vasectomy, where the sperm-carrying tubes are cut and tied or sealed.

Researchers in California injected Vasalgel, into 16 male rhesus monkeys before returning them to their social group.

They were housed with fertile females for up to two years without any pregnancies.

In a study in rabbits the gel was “flushed out” afterwards, leading to a return of sperm flow.

Future research will probe reversibility in monkeys.

Trials in men are also planned.

Prof Catherine VandeVoort said: “We show Vasalgel placement is safe and produced fewer complications than usually occur with a vasectomy.”

Professor Darren Griffin, from the University of Kent, said: “The prospect of a male contraceptive treatment that is reversible has the potential to revolutionize this field of medicine.

“In the 1960s and 1970s the face of reproduction changed forever with the development of the contraceptive pill.

“The effect, specifically in empowering women to be able to take control of their reproductive lives, impacted on many academic disciplines.

“The prospect of the male equivalent will engage scientists, medics, law and social policy makers, psychologists, anthropologists and philosophers for many years to come.

“The manuscript itself describes the efficacy of a product – essentially a polymer that temporarily blocks the vas deferens.

“The results are convincing in the cohort of Rhesus monkeys on which it was tested.

“When rolling out into humans however I wonder whether its mode of delivery – direct injection into the vas deferens – may prove a barrier to its widespread use.”

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