Male contraceptive pill 'a step closer'

Researchers announce discovery of proteins that can be blocked to prevent the launch of sperm cells during ejaculationA pill that provides a safe, effective and reversible method of contraception for men has been brought a step closer by scientists.Researchers identified two proteins that can be blocked to prevent the launch of sperm cells from the testes during ejaculation. Knocking out the proteins in genetically engineered mice resulted in male animals that were completely infertile, though they continued to mate normally. A similar goal could theoretically be achieved by suppressing the proteins with drugs, scientists say. In fact, medicines for prostate enlargement and high blood pressure already exist that blocks one of them."This concept is indeed a feasible mechanism of producing male contraception," the Australian and British researchers wrote in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.A male contraceptive pill has been the holy grail of fertility scientists, but one that has proved frustratingly elusive.Compared with developing a female pill, designing a male version is a far more difficult process. Most approaches have relied on hormonal targets or rendering sperm dysfunctional. One major problem is ensuring that every one of the millions of sperm cells produced by a man is stopped from carrying out its job of fertilising the female egg, because it takes only one sperm to produce a baby.Tampering with sperm must also present no risk of altering ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Tags: The Guardian Sex World news Health Society Contraception and family planning Science Source Type: news