A long-acting but reversible male contraceptive has been fully proven to protect against pregnancies, paving the way for its commercial development.

Australian researchers say their 12-month study - published in the October Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - tested what was effectively a 'reversible vasectomy' that would ultimately allow men to take greater responsibility for contraception.

It will have a niche market for couples in stable relationships who want a 'window of contraception' before or between children, says principal investigator, Dr David Handelsman from the Anzac Research Institute in Sydney.

"As researchers we have done as much as is possible," he says. "It is now over to pharmaceutical companies to develop a convenient and acceptable product."

Two large international companies were currently collaborating on work in this area, he says.

The study of 55 Australian couples tested a hormone combination based on a testosterone implant given every four months, and a progestin injection given every three months. There were no pregnancies in the 12 months, a result the researchers describe as "fantastic".

Their 'best guess' is that the final product will be a single injection containing both hormones which will easily be given by local doctors on a three to four monthly basis.

The two hormones temporarily turn off the normal signals from the brain that stimulate sperm production, without affecting sexual health.

While the 12-month trial did not reveal any safety concerns, it would nonetheless be important to monitor the long-term health of users, Dr Handelsman said.

Handelsman says he can not estimate the product's ultimate cost but hopes the government could make it accessible and affordable.

A prime opportunity for such a long-acting male contraceptive would be, for example, after a pregnancy when a woman wanted to breastfeed without taking hormones.

Being an injection also offered advantages in terms of convenience. Once given, "you know it is in there and working and you don't have to worry about missing pills," says Handelsman.

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