Discovery may allow creation of male contraceptive hormone free

Researchers from the Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) are developing a reversible male contraceptive, which is not based on hormones and causes no side effects.

Through the study of the composition of sperm, researchers have found that there are ionic channels within them, or proteins into cells to allow passage of substances which help the calcium and potassium to remain in sperm.

Without these channels, the sperm do not move correctly. Thus, if investigators unable to block the channel may inhibit the function of reproductive cell.

The existence of these channels is exclusive of sperm, so the staff notes that the creation of a drug that blocks these proteins not only have side effects to other body cells.

The fact that the male body produce new sperm every day means that when man stops consuming the contraceptive, their new cells again have mobility and the man will be fertile again.

Scientists began looking for a type of molecule that blocks ion channels and allow temporary male infertility.

Over the coming months, they plan to conduct tests with various substances.

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