Close X
Saturday, November 2, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Male contraceptive pill will have to wait

Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Jun, 2014 10:25 AM
    The much speculated birth control pill for males may not see the light of day soon as researchers have found that hormonal male contraception via testosterone does not stop the production of healthy sperm.
     
    The problem actually lies in optimal dosing of testosterone, the study showed.
     
    The study involving mice showed that a previously developed male hormonal oral contraceptive method (via testosterone) is unable to stop the production and/or the release of sperm.
     
    “Our research explains why the efficacy of male hormonal contraception is not as effective as expected and it provides clues on how to improve the method,” said Ilpo Huhtaniemi from the Imperial College of London in Britain.
     
    Scientists demonstrated that the male contraception approach by testosterone has an inherent problem - spermatogenesis - where production of sperm from the primordial germ cells does not stop. 
     
    They found that administering increasing doses of testosterone to infertile mutant mice did allow sexual function to return at a certain dosing threshold which was expected. 
     
    What was not expected, however, is that spermatogenesis also returned at that dose. 
     
    This suggests that it is impossible to give a single dose of testosterone that allows for sexual function and the suppression of pituitary gonadotropin secretion, but also does not initiate sperm production.
     
    “Ever since 'The Pill' for women was developed, we have been aiming for an equivalent for men,” said Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal that published the study. 
     
    "New report suggests that we may be finally reaching the end of administering testosterone for this purpose,” Weissmann added.
     

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes
    Even though you may risk hypertension and heart disease but can't do without that extra pinch of salt in your meal, blame it on your genes for a gene related to taste pathways could be conspiring against you, researchers have found.

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too
    Whether it’s a latte on the way to work or an espresso to get through the afternoon slump, coffee has become a routine formula for several youths. However, think twice before sipping on it as it can also have some side effects.

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women
    If you want to keep away from hypertension, avoid negative interpersonal interactions. Unpleasant or demanding interpersonal encounters increase hypertension risk among older adults, especially women, new research warns.

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake
    Do you often opt for low-calorie food to shed some extra kilos? This may stun you: New research reveals some low-fat foods actually have more calories than regular food - owing to added sugars.

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake

    Lose weight and liven up your sex life

    Lose weight and liven up your sex life
    It is time to run, jog, join the gym, hit the park or just begin walking to tuck in your tummy as losing even a moderate amount of weight can help improve your sex life.

    Lose weight and liven up your sex life

    Exercise To Quit Tobacco

    Exercise To Quit Tobacco
    If you are looking to ditch tobacco, make sure you include at least 15-20 minutes of physical exercise each day to maintain unwavering focus on quitting, a fitness expert said Saturday on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

    Exercise To Quit Tobacco