A miracle male contraceptive pill could mean men taking the drug before engaging to stop their sperm swimming – thus not fertilising the female egg, the UK Daily Express reported on Monday.
British scientists have discovered a method of ‘switching off’ sperms’ ability to swim, making men temporarily infertile.
To stop the sperms’ tails from wiggling, a tiny ‘designer compound’ inserts itself into the swimmers and breaks down the communication.
But this isn’t a long-lasting effect, with the infertility only temporary.
Scientists believe this form of contraception could come as a pill or even a nasal spray.
Last night, family planning experts said the medical advances could benefit millions of couples where the woman cannot take the contraceptive pill for medical reasons.
According to the NHS, there are 15 different methods of contraception available in the UK. The most common forms include condoms and the birth control pill, which is currently available to women.
But a recent study has revealed Brits have incredibly relaxed attitudes when it comes to contraception.
Over half of Britons admit to not using contraception every time they have sex, according to the paper.
Lead researcher on the male contraceptive study, Professor John Howl, described how effective their sperm-stopping agent had been in lab tests.
He said: “The results are startling – and almost instant.
“When you take healthy sperm and add our compound, within a few minutes the sperm basically cannot move.
“This is a totally unique approach – nobody else has ever done this before.”
It’s believed the scientists will begin live animal tests in two to three years- and usually it will take an additional three to five years after animal trials to bring a new drug to market.
“Could we be seeing a male contraceptive on the market in 2022? “ the paper said.
The news comes after research conducted by www.MedExpress.co.uk found almost a third of female respondents have taken the morning after pill more than once.