Discovering new avenues for male contraceptive is underway. Many researchers and scientists in different parts of the world are working to develop male contraceptive treatments that are safer, more effective, and more convenient than the contraceptives currently out in the market.
Scientists are developing a male contraceptive drug which can inhibit the process of sperm development. When tested on rats, it blocked the links to the cells which nurture developing sperms, causing infertility to the animals. According to US and Italian researchers, they used relatively low doses of the molecule and found no obvious side effects, and the effect was even reversible. However, there is still much work to be done in order to determine if the approach will be equally effective and safe in men.
Researchers are now breaking down the different processes involved in fertilization starting from how men produce sperm. One area of study is focused on Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm development from spermatogonia to spermatozoa. During this process, the sperm cells sit next to other cells, called Sertoli cells, which nurse and help them grow. Breaking the connection...