World J Mens Health.  2014 Aug;32(2):83-86. 10.5534/wjmh.2014.32.2.83.

Induction of Contraception by Intraepididymal Sclerotherapy

• Park HK
• Paick SH
• Kim HG
• Lho YS
• Bae SR

• KMID: 2320797
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2014.32.2.83

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sclerosing solution for inducing epididymal occlusion in male rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: an injection group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Before injecting the sclerosing agent, seminal vesiculectomy and sperm identification using electrostimulation were performed in all of the rats. In the injection group, 0.2 mL of 0.1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate solution was injected into the epididymis. In the sham group, only the identification of the epididymis was performed. At 4 and 12 weeks after the injection, semen was collected by electrostimulation and evaluated to assess the contraceptive effect. Epididymis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
RESULTS
After 4 and 12 weeks, semen collection was performed in the two groups. Sperms were not observed in the injection group, while there was no change in the sperms in the sham group. H&E staining showed the obstruction of epididymal tubules and an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the injection group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that the sclerosing agent induced sterilization in male rats. This result suggests that the injection method can replace vasectomy as a contraceptive method. However, a further study of large animals and a clinical study are needed. Further, the long-term effectiveness of this method needs to be studied.

Keyword

Contraception; Male; Rats; Sterilization

MeSH Terms

Animals
Contraception*
Contraceptive Agents
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Epididymis
Hematoxylin
Humans
Male
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Sclerotherapy*
Semen
Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate
Spermatozoa
Sterilization
Vasectomy
Contraceptive Agents
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Hematoxylin
Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Sperm identification before injection. The white arrows indicate the sperm of the rat. (B) Sperm observed in the control group. The white arrows indicate the sperm of the rat. (C) No sperm observed in the injection group (A~C: simple staining, ×100).

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) A normal epididymal tubule in the control group. (B) Obstruction of epididymal tubules was observed in the injection group (A, B: H&E, ×200).

Reference

1. Oliveira EC, Moura MR, Silva VA Jr, Peixoto CA, Saraiva KL, de Sá MJ, et al. Intratesticular injection of a zinc-based solution as a contraceptive for dogs. Theriogenology. 2007; 68:137–145.

2. Fahim MS, Wang M, Sutcu MF, Fahim Z, Youngquist RS. Sterilization of dogs with intra-epididymal injection of zinc arginine. Contraception. 1993; 47:107–122.

3. Singh SK, Rovan E, Frick J. Intravasal application of BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) is not an effective method for control of fertility in the male: a preliminary report. Contraception. 1993; 47:303–306.

4. Leach BC, Goldman MP. Comparative trial between sodium tetradecyl sulfate and glycerin in the treatment of telangiectatic leg veins. Dermatol Surg. 2003; 29:612–614.

5. Bowes LE, Goldman MP. Sclerotherapy of reticular and telangiectatic veins of the face, hands, and chest. Dermatol Surg. 2002; 28:46–51.

6. Campbell B. Varicose veins and their management. BMJ. 2006; 333:287–292.

7. Green D. Sclerotherapy for the permanent eradication of varicose veins: theoretical and practical considerations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998; 38:461–475.

8. Paick SH, Lee BK, Yoon SW, Baek M, Kim HG, Song EY, et al. Electroejaculation in the male rat. Korean J Urol. 2008; 49:266–270.

9. Oliveira EC, Moura MR, de Sá MJ, Silva VA Jr, Kastelic JP, Douglas RH, et al. Permanent contraception of dogs induced with intratesticular injection of a Zinc Gluconate-based solution. Theriogenology. 2012; 77:1056–1063.

10. Pannier F, Rabe E. for the Guideline Group. Results from RCTs in sclerotherapy: European guidelines for sclerotherapy in chronic venous disorders. Phlebology. 2014; 29:1 Suppl. 39–44.