Male contraceptive pill brought a step closer
The new approach, which involves blocking the release of sperm brings scientists closer to developing an effective male pill
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A pill for men that can provide a safe, effective and reversible method of contraception is a step closer, researchers have said.
Currently, the use of a condom or a surgical vasectomy provides the only proven form of contraception available to men. Previous attempts to develop an orally administrable male contraceptive have faced significant problems.
Some pills have focused on disrupting the production of sperm, which is difficult due to the huge number of sperm cells created by men. This also presents the risk of having a detrimental genetic effect on future offspring.
Other pills have centred on altering hormonal mechanisms to produce dysfunctional sperm, but this is said to have “intolerable” side effects.
Now, a team of researchers, led by Dr Sabatino Ventura from Monash University in Australia, have published a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences which outlines the possibility of a safe, non-hormonal, readily reversible male contraceptive.
The pill works by genetically deleting two proteins (alpha1A-adrenoceptor and P2X1-purinoceptor) which in turn blocks sperm cells from being ejaculated during intercourse.
Removing the proteins in genetically engineered mice resulted in male animals that were completely infertile, but continued to mate normally.
“This bypasses perhaps the greatest stumbling block in the quest for a socially acceptable male contraceptive,” the scientists wrote.
The mice appeared normal and did not suffer any side effects that would make such a treatment impossible for use on humans. They were also able to father normal offspring, when their sperm was extracted straight from the testes and injected into female eggs.
The researchers said that there is a potential for an orally administered drug to be developed that's effects would be reversed once stopped.
Medicines for prostate enlargement and high blood pressure that currently exist already block one of proteins, the researchers added.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments