Contraceptive pills were approved for female use in the 1960s. Now, it seems that scientists are on the verge of doing the same for men.
In a study conducted at Monash University in Australia, scientists were able to genetically alter mice to prevent sperm from traveling through the reproductive system, AFP reported. As a result, the mice were infertile.
Monash University researcher Sabatino Ventura said the key to their success was blocking the right proteins in the muscles of mice.
"We've shown that simultaneously disrupting the two proteins that control the transport of sperm during ejaculation causes complete male infertility," Ventura told AFP. "But without affecting long-term viability of sperm or the sexual or general health of males. The sperm is effectively there, but the muscle is just not receiving the chemical message to move it."
Researchers wanted to find a way to repeat the process chemically. Ventura, who conducted the study with researchers from Britain's University of Leicester, believes the pill could be available for men within the next decade, AFP reported.
A successful form of male contraceptive has been hard to come by.
"Historically, most therapeutic targets have been hormonal and therefore likely to have intolerable sexual, behavioral, physiological, and psychological side effects," the study said.
Another problem was handling the enormous amount of sperm men produce, as opposed to one female egg.
Ventura said their method is non-hormonal, does not prevent sperm's development, and would be reversible once men stop taking the contraceptive. The pill would have no affect on the "pleasurable feelings of orgasm," Ventura told Australian broadcaster ABC.
