<img title="Representational Image" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/apr/Male-pills.jpg" alt="Representational Image" /> Representational Image
In a step towards male contraceptive pills without side effects, scientists have identified a compound that can slow the overall mobility of the sperm without affecting hormones.
Currently, condoms and surgical vasectomy are the only safe forms of birth control currently available for men. There are hormonal drugs in clinical trials that target the production of sperm, but these affect the natural hormones in men much like female contraceptives affect hormones in women. In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers described how a compound called EP055 binds to sperm proteins to significantly slow the overall mobility of the sperm without affecting hormones, making EP055 a potential "male pill" without side effects.
"Simply put, the compound turns-off the sperm's ability to swim, significantly limiting fertilisation capabilities," said Michael O'Rand, professor at University of North Carolina in the US.
"This makes EP055 an ideal candidate for non-hormonal male contraception," said O'Rand. During the study, thirty hours following a high-dose intravenous infusion of EP055 in male rhesus macaques, researchers at Oregon Health &amp; Science University (OHSU) found no indication of normal sperm motility.
Further, no physical side effects were observed. "At 18 days post-infusion, all macaques showed signs of complete recovery, suggesting that the EP055 compound is indeed reversible," said Mary Zelinski, research associate professor at OHSU.
Researchers said that more work is needed before EP055 becomes available for human use. The team has begun to test a pill form of the compound and will eventually conduct a mating trial of EP055's effectiveness against pregnancy.
Catch up on all the latest <a title="mid-day news" href="https://www.mid-ay.com/news" target="_blank">Crime, National, International and Hatke news</a> here. Also download the new mid-day <a title="mid-day android app " href="https://goo.gl/8Xlcvr" target="_blank">Android</a> and <a title="mid-day iOS app" href="https://goo.gl/KQziH4" target="_blank">iOS</a> apps to get latest updates
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Currently, condoms and surgical vasectomy are the only safe forms of birth control currently available for men

Compound for safe male contraceptives identified

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / News / World News / Article / Compound for safe male contraceptives identified

Compound for safe male contraceptives identified

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast