Health

New study shows promising results in birth control for men

By WEEK Producer

New study shows promising results in birth control for men

August 16, 2012 Updated Aug 16, 2012 at 2:30 PM CDT

BOSTON, Mass. -- A birth control pill for men could become reality, thanks to an accidental finding in a Boston lab.

Scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were experimenting with a compound meant to block a cancer-causing gene. But, male mice given the pill became infertile, producing far fewer and less mobile sperm.

The compound did not cut down on the animals' sex drive, and the effect of the drug was completely reversible after treatment was over.

The science is a long way from clinical use in human men, but many doctors are calling this discovery "exciting".

This study was published in the journal Cell.

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