Scientists have discovered a cell pathway, or switch, that prevents sperm from swimming, indicating that an on-demand, non-hormonal male contraceptive pill may be a real possibility.
It does not use hormones as the female contraceptive pill does. It will not suppress testosterone or cause any negative effects associated with male hormone deficiency. Soluble adenylyl cyclase, or sAC, is the cellular signalling protein that they are aiming at as the "sperm-swim" switch. sAC is inhibited or blocked by the experimental male pill.
Men might only be able to take it when they need to if it works in humans in the end. They could make decisions about their fertility every day.
Since women have traditionally carried the burden of contraception, the development of a male contraceptive pill has long been a goal in reproductive health. Contraceptives for women can take many different forms, but condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal are the only options for men. The outcomes so far have been encouraging, and it may one day become an effective method of contraception.
Experts warn that it would not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are still necessary for that.
