The Problem With Birth Control For Men
Dec 04, 2013 02:27
The latest research on birth control for men involves preventing sperm from being ejaculated. Despite the findings, the research is still years away from being turned into a pill which guys can pop to avoid from spreading their seed.
Unlike female birth control which targets the egg, the male version is a biological challenge simply because it would have to stop each of the 1,500 sperm cells men produce each second!
Early tests on mice have proven hormonal methods to be clumsy and resulting in too many side effects. Attempts at halting the rapid production of sperm is similarly difficult, in part because a natural barrier between the blood and the testis, the site of sperm production, keeps drugs out.
Based on this, any drug would still have to undergo years of testing for safety and effectiveness before it finally hits the shelves at your local pharmacy. Nevertheless, this study could help provide the key to creating an effective birth control drug for men.
[Livescience]
Unlike female birth control which targets the egg, the male version is a biological challenge simply because it would have to stop each of the 1,500 sperm cells men produce each second!
Early tests on mice have proven hormonal methods to be clumsy and resulting in too many side effects. Attempts at halting the rapid production of sperm is similarly difficult, in part because a natural barrier between the blood and the testis, the site of sperm production, keeps drugs out.
Based on this, any drug would still have to undergo years of testing for safety and effectiveness before it finally hits the shelves at your local pharmacy. Nevertheless, this study could help provide the key to creating an effective birth control drug for men.
[Livescience]
