lily
11-29-2006, 02:11 AM
Link (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15937201/)
Scientists develop male birth control pill
Single dose, hormone-free drug prevents ejaculation of sperm
When it comes to birth control, it may finally be the guy's turn.
British scientists are developing a male birth control pill that could put a
smile on the faces of a lot of women, according to a report by NBC's Dawn
Friesen on "Today" Tuesday. The hormone-free pill, which prevents the
ejaculation of sperm, could be on the market in five years.
The pill, a single dose taken a few hours before having sex, affects
contraction of the muscles that control ejaculation, but wouldn't interfere
with performance or orgasm sensation, researchers at King's College London
say. The result is a dry ejaculation.
"It’s not stopping sperm production," Dr. Christopher Smith told NBC News.
"It’s not a hormonal method. It's just simply stopping the muscle which
takes the sperm along."
The scientists found the solution after noticing that drugs used in the
treatment of schizophrenia and high blood pressure were effective at
preventing ejaculation, according to a report in the British newspaper "The
Guardian Unlimited."
The pill would be more user-friendly than other male contraceptive methods
such as vasectomy, injections or implants, researchers told NBC.
"Within half a day, the sperm is on the move again," says Smith.
If the pill passes clinical trial, it could be a significant benefit for
people who are anxious about long-term effects from hormones.
But if men can’t remember to take out the garbage, will they remember to
take the birth control pill? Moreover, some men, worried that it could
damage their virility, may object to taking any kind of pill.
"We know from international research that men want to take part in fertility
control," Rebecca Findlay from the London Family Planning Association told
NBC. "It could be quite liberating for couples.
The pill would not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, she said.
Scientists develop male birth control pill
Single dose, hormone-free drug prevents ejaculation of sperm
When it comes to birth control, it may finally be the guy's turn.
British scientists are developing a male birth control pill that could put a
smile on the faces of a lot of women, according to a report by NBC's Dawn
Friesen on "Today" Tuesday. The hormone-free pill, which prevents the
ejaculation of sperm, could be on the market in five years.
The pill, a single dose taken a few hours before having sex, affects
contraction of the muscles that control ejaculation, but wouldn't interfere
with performance or orgasm sensation, researchers at King's College London
say. The result is a dry ejaculation.
"It’s not stopping sperm production," Dr. Christopher Smith told NBC News.
"It’s not a hormonal method. It's just simply stopping the muscle which
takes the sperm along."
The scientists found the solution after noticing that drugs used in the
treatment of schizophrenia and high blood pressure were effective at
preventing ejaculation, according to a report in the British newspaper "The
Guardian Unlimited."
The pill would be more user-friendly than other male contraceptive methods
such as vasectomy, injections or implants, researchers told NBC.
"Within half a day, the sperm is on the move again," says Smith.
If the pill passes clinical trial, it could be a significant benefit for
people who are anxious about long-term effects from hormones.
But if men can’t remember to take out the garbage, will they remember to
take the birth control pill? Moreover, some men, worried that it could
damage their virility, may object to taking any kind of pill.
"We know from international research that men want to take part in fertility
control," Rebecca Findlay from the London Family Planning Association told
NBC. "It could be quite liberating for couples.
The pill would not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, she said.