[Nehkara]

Advancement in the quest for a safe, effective, and reversible male contraceptive pill:

The pill works by genetically deleting two proteins (alpha1A-adrenoceptor and P2X1-purinoceptor) which in turn blocks sperm cells from being ejaculated during intercourse.

Removing the proteins in genetically engineered mice resulted in male animals that were completely infertile, but continued to mate normally.

“This bypasses perhaps the greatest stumbling block in the quest for a socially acceptable male contraceptive,” the scientists wrote.

The mice appeared normal and did not suffer any side effects that would make such a treatment impossible for use on humans. They were also able to father normal offspring, when their sperm was extracted straight from the testes and injected into female eggs.

The researchers said that there is a potential for an orally administered drug to be developed that's effects would be reversed once stopped.