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1A

The Future Of Sperm-Related Birth Control

1A

NPR

News

4.3 β€’ 4.5K Ratings

πŸ—“οΈ 20 March 2023

⏱️ 35 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The burden of finding the right birth control method typically falls to the person who can get pregnant. Some 90 percent of females have taken a contraceptive at some point in their lives, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Currently, there are just two birth control options for people who produce sperm: a vasectomy or condoms. That could change soon. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered that a drug used to treat eye disease temporarily stopped sperm production in mice – hours later, fertility was restored.

The researchers think they've taken a step toward developing a potential non-hormonal birth control drug that can be taken in the hours before sex to stop sperm from swimming.

We discuss why it's taken so long to develop a birth control pill for sperm and how birth control for men could change reproductive politics.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

I just wanted to say that I would absolutely take a birth control made for men.

0:12.8

I've watched my wife struggle with anxiety and different chemical imbalances causing anxiety

0:19.8

and depression.

0:20.8

And, you know, if it meant saving her some grief, trying to switch and find the different

0:26.0

birth controls that work right for her, I would definitely take a birth control made

0:30.1

for men.

0:31.1

I would absolutely take a male birth control pill as a safe, effective one were available.

0:36.2

It seems less drastic than a vasectomy assuming that the effect stops when one stops taking

0:42.0

the pill.

0:43.0

I think it's a good thing for both potential parents to have some control over conception.

0:50.7

I had a vasectomy 25 years ago and it was an interesting experience after a couple of

0:59.6

incisions that were made incorrectly.

1:02.8

The doctor said, well, he said, now you have a smiley face on your, it's a great story.

1:13.4

90% of women have used a contraceptive at some point during their reproductive years.

1:18.7

It's according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

1:21.4

And when it comes to taking the birth control pill, the burden and side effects fall on the

1:25.6

person who can get pregnant.

1:28.0

But what if men could take a birth control pill?

1:32.2

Researchers recently discovered that a drug used to treat eye disease also temporarily

1:37.1

stops sperm motility and mice.

1:40.0

Hours later, they were back to swimming.

1:42.1

So is the hunt for the missing male pill about to end?

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