A new gel-based vasectomy has proven effective in a group of monkeys, raising hopes it could one day provide a permanent but easily reversible male contraceptive option in humans. Vasalgel works by plugging the vas deferens, the two tiny tubes that convey sperm into a male's semen, researchers said. The gel "doesn't break down. It just sets up a little more, and sticks where you inject it," said lead researcher Catherine VandeVoort. She's a professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Sixteen male rhesus macaque monkeys injected with the non-hormonal gel have proven incapable of reproduction, according to the study findings.

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No females have become pregnant in the males' presence, even though they were housed together for at least one breeding season -- about 6 months. "We're over two years in a lot of these males we injected with this, and so far they've all remained infertile," said VandeVoort. "We know that because we check the parentage of every baby that's born at the primate center." VandeVoort is also a scientist with the California National Primate Research Center at UC Davis. Traditional vasectomies either sever, crush or tie off the vas deferens, causing tissue damage that can be difficult to reverse, VandeVoort said. But researchers hope to revise the Vasalgel plug to the point where a simple solution of water and baking soda would flush it out of the vas deferens, easily restoring a man's fertility, said study co-author Elaine Lissner.

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The gel plug has been successfully flushed out of male rabbits in animal testing, but reversibility has not yet been perfected in primates, said Lissner, founder and trustee of the Parsemus Foundation, the nonprofit group funding development of the gel. The focus of the current study was to see whether Vasalgel would effectively prevent conception, Lissner and VandeVoort said. "This tells us whatever challenges we face, the bottom line is it has worked and been safe in animals similar to humans," Lissner said. The Parsemus Foundation, based in Berkeley, Calif., funded the primate study. Source: http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20170207/a-plug-instead-of-a-snip-for-male-birth-control

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

A Closer Look at Prednisone fluid retention and Related Concerns

Doctors prescribe corticosteroids for a wide range of conditions, from inflammation to autoimmune disorders. Physical therapy or gentle exercise can support recovery alongside medication. Immune suppression is a known effect, which is why avoiding sick contacts is often advised. Seasonal allergies can flare unpredictably, and short steroid courses sometimes provide fast relief. Taking medication with food can help reduce stomach discomfort for many patients. Long-term use requires closer monitoring due to potential effects on bone density and blood sugar. Hydration and a balanced diet can support the body during a course of treatment. For readers who want a deeper dive, this prednisone fluid retention covers the specifics in plain language. Pharmacists are a valuable resource for questions about timing, storage, and interactions. Support groups and patient communities can offer helpful firsthand experiences. Short courses of steroid therapy are generally well tolerated by most adults. Every treatment decision should weigh the benefits against the possible risks for that individual. Keeping a symptom journal can help identify patterns and guide follow-up conversations with a doctor. Skin conditions like eczema sometimes respond well to topical or short oral courses. Clear communication with a care team remains the most reliable way to stay on track. Mild swelling or water retention sometimes accompanies steroid use and usually resolves after tapering. Regular checkups allow a physician to adjust dosage based on how the body responds. Reading the medication guide provided by a pharmacy can clarify proper administration. Patients with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels more closely while on steroid therapy. Respiratory conditions may require inhaled or oral steroids depending on severity. Missing a dose occasionally is common, but a consistent schedule improves overall outcomes. Those looking for more detail can review this does prednisone show up in a drug test for practical guidance. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic it can cause real harm. Corticosteroids mimic hormones the body produces naturally in the adrenal glands. Autoimmune disorders often need a carefully balanced long-term treatment strategy. Ultimately, informed patients tend to have smoother treatment experiences and fewer surprises.
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