Human trials for a new male contraceptive pill are set to begin later this year.
The pills have already been tested on mice, and the studies found that they were 99% effective in preventing pregnancies.
Crucially, this could mean that in the near future men could be taking more responsibility over birth control – especially as it's hoped that the new pill won't trigger the same side effects as the current oral contraceptives prescribed for women (more on that later!).
Here is everything we know about the new pill so far…
When will the pill be available?
Women shouldn't start cancelling their pill prescriptions just yet, as the male pill isn't likely to be available for another five years. It's also not yet guaranteed that it will in fact ever become available – this depends on many factors including the outcome of the human trial.
Will there be any side effects?
Unlike the female equivalent the pill won't be hormonal. Other potential pills formulated for men have targeted the male hormone testosterone, leading to a risk of obesity and depression.
Abdullah Al Noman, of Minnesota University, US, is the lead author on the new drug. He said, “We wanted to develop a non-hormonal contraceptive to avoid these side-effects.”
It is not entirely clear if any side effects will be totally swerved – after all, mice are unable to report feelings of discomfort and sadness or indeed, headaches!
How is it possible?
The researchers conducting the study found that male mice who are without a particular gene are unable to reproduce. This gene contains retinoic acid, which is a type of vitamin A that allows sperm development.
They used a chemical to block this gene, which led to reduced sperm counts in the rodents.
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Will it effect long-term fertility?
After four weeks of exposure to the chemical, the mice were mostly no longer able to reproduce.
However, six weeks after halting the treatment they were able to conceive once more. This possibly suggests the potential new pill won't create long term barriers to fatherhood for those it's prescribed for.
What are the current options for male contraception?
Men can currently use condoms, or have vasectomies which can be painful and expensive to reverse.
It is largely a women's responsibility to take care of birth control methods such as the coil, pills, and injections which can all come with side effects.
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