Women across the globe have been taking ‘the pill’ for menstrual regulation, to reduce cramps, menstrual pain, and, most commonly, to prevent pregnancy. Even with there being multiple other outlets to use for this specific prevention such as condoms or vasectomies, government data shows that the majority of women are consuming some type of birth control who are in a romantic relationship with the opposite gender. However, recent studies from the University of Minnesota have just brought to light that male birth control is currently in the process of getting approved for the average male to regularly take.
“Most female birth control pills work on the female sex hormones,” Ph.D. candidate MD Abdullah al Noman stated. “[But] targeting the sex hormone leads to a lot of side effects such as weight gain, depression and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases… Men are less willing to take a birth control pill that has significant side effects. That is why we are targeting a non-hormonal pathway to developing a male birth control pill.” With little to no options available for men in this department, the research team is aiming to create a one-job pill in order to attract men into purchasing.
Current testing is now being performed on mice as professionals continue their journey to perfecting their newest medication. “That’s very important – that you knock out the target, that you have achieved the desired effect but the mice are also viable and healthy,” researcher Gunda Georg stated in regards to the animal tests. “Of course, you have to be careful with this analysis because they are mice and not humans, but nevertheless the effect is very, very promising.” As of right now, the current birth control medication that the Universities team has created is officially proven to be 99% effective as they begin human trials this year.