Experimental Birth Control For Men
It is possible that we might see a contraceptive pill for men within the next ten years or so.
US researchers have tested a compound known as JQ1 on mice, under the understanding that it would block the cancer-causing gene, BRD4. What they found instead is that it temporarily inhibits sperm production. After 18 months of testing this hormone-free compound, it has been seen that it causes, "No effect on the mouse's mojo with the animals exhibiting the normal sexual behaviors," as Dr. James Bradner of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Boston stated all without manipulating the levels of testosterone.
You can find his study in Cell.
Bradner told FoxNews.com that the perfect birth control pill would have "100 percent efficacy, complete reversibility, and a lack of on or off-target side effects, meaning it's extremely well-tolerated." He also stated that while it meets many of these points on the mice, it must have human trials to ensure it's completely effective.
The intent of JQ1 is to bind itself to male germ cells, the one-purpose creator of sperm, to block the function of BRDT, a protein, effectively causing BRDT to forget its job. And it also works the same for cancer cells under the microscope as well, Bradner says.
While it is still under experimenting, it seems like the "Holy Grail of modern pharmaceuticals" will soon be available for those men who are ready to take the next step in their relationship, but not in their lives.