A ground-breaking contraceptive pill for men could be just around the corner after a major breakthrough, scientists say. Researchers said they have identified a gene which temporarily renders sperm infertile once removed.
The American research team discovered a protein encoded by this gene, found solely in the testicular tissue of most mammals. It reduced sperm counts and deformed remaining sperm to make them incapable of fertilising an egg when altered.
The potentially historic breakthrough contraceptive pill would also have no hormonal side effects and could be additionally used on animals to quell overpopulation and replace castrations, it is said. And, crucially, the destabilisation of the infertility protein is not permanent - meaning sperm will recover once the person or animal stops taking the pills.
