Discovery of a reproductive gene offers hope for male contraceptive pill

Scientists in Scotland believe the discovery of a male reproductive gene, ‘Katnal1’, could enable the development of a male contraceptive pill that would halt the generating of fertile sperm and not leave any lasting damage. Researchers at Edinburgh University discovered that Katnal1 is responsible for allowing sperm to mature within the testes.  By blocking this key gene, it would result in the male becoming temporarily infertile and scientists believe a male contraceptive pill can now be created that would not result in tiredness, effects on hormones, loss of sex drive, etc. like so many efforts have done previously.

The discovery of the gene came about after scientists were investigating the DNA patterns of male infertile mice after they had experience mutations to their genetic material. After the discovery, scientists probed a little deeper and then found that Katnal1 has control of the network of microscopic tubes that are responsible for providing nutrients in the final stage of sperm development, prior to being released.

Dr Lee Smith, from the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health at the university, commented on the new findings, “The identification of a gene that controls sperm production in the way Katnal1 does is unique and a significant step forward in our understanding. If we can find a way to target this gene in men, we could potentially develop a male non-hormonal contraceptive. The important thing is that the effects of such a drug would be reversible because Katnal1 only affects sperm cells in the later stages of development, so it would not hinder his overall ability to reproduce.”

Of course there are other excellent forms of birth control that are available right now, and it could be a long period of time before this male contraceptive pill is actually ready and fit for use. At Medical Specialists Pharmacy we offer a wide range of condoms such as the highly popular Durex Performax Intense. This particular condom benefits both partners. It contains a lubricant – benzocaine 5%, which will prolong his climax, whilst the outside of the condom is ribbed and dotted to heighten her orgasm. On top of this we have a huge range of different condoms in our ever-growing chemist shop such as Durex Play Vibrations, Skins Ultra-Thin and many more, all at fantastic prices. For women, we offer the contraceptive pill Dianette from as little as £9.99 per month, which is capable of preventing you from falling pregnant by working in three ways: by preventing an egg being released from your ovaries; by making the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb; and by preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for an egg to grow in it. Not only is Dianette a contraceptive, it can also be taken by women for combating acne, hirsutism and for the treatment of female hair loss.