Scientists have been searching for a male contraceptive pill for years, testing numerous pills, injections and gels to find an alternative to condoms and vasectomies.
Male contraceptives, also known as male birth control are methods of preventing pregnancy that primarily involve the male physiology.
The most common kinds of male contraception include condoms, withdrawal or pulling out, outercourse, and vasectomy. In domestic animals, castration is commonly used for contraception.
Good News for Kenyan men!Hopes for a male contraceptive pill have increased after a trial showed a once-daily capsule appeared to work with no significant side-effects.
The drug aims to suppress levels of hormones that drive the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes.
In the month-long study, doctors found that levels of the hormones required for sperm production fell in men who took the daily capsule, suggesting their sperm counts had been markedly reduced. The next step will be to confirm the fall and determine if it is sufficient.
This is unfortunate though.The researchers say it could be a decade before a male pill is on the market, but they believe there is strong demand from couples. Men have really limited options when it comes to reversible contraception.
When Men are asked about hormonal compounds, about 50% are willing to try this new method. And when their partners are asked, the percentage is even higher.