There has been talk over the years about the possible production of the male contraceptive pill but recent studies show that we are getting closer to a discovery. Since the identification of a specific gene that stymies the late development of sperm in the testes, researchers have been excited about the first ever non-hormonal contraceptive treatment for men.
The gene has been identified as Katnal1 and where the gene’s function is disrupted, the sperm that await fertilisation in the testes are not released. The drug does not hinder sperm development in the early stages of development, meaning that the effects of the drug on sperm production can be reversed when the medication dosing is ceased.
Overall, this is an exciting development for men, women and for sexual health. Halving the responsibility in this way in terms of birth control will be a major development regarding contraceptive use. The gene has been identified and now a way to target the gene in human beings needs to be researched in order to progress with the development of a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill.