LONDON: British scientists have developed a single-dose male contraceptive pill. It can be taken just before a date and it does not cause any side effects, according to the scientists.
The pill, which has been derived from drugs usually used in the treatment of schizophrenia and hypertension, works by preventing ejaculation in man, but does not affect the intensity of the orgasm, scientists at Kings College, London, who developed it, said.
They say the pill could become more acceptable to men than other pills now under development, which are mostly based on altering the hormone levels and are required to be taken over a long period of time. It will also help women as they would no longer have to ensure they are on pill.
The researchers noticed that some of the drugs used in treating schizophrenia and high blood pressure prevented ejaculation. The specific chemical actually stops the longitudinal muscle in the vas deferens from contracting to push sperms out through the penis.
The impact of the drug is temporary but these drugs had side effects. The scientists developed this aspect and arrived at a formula that does not have the side effects and can be effectively used in contraception.
The pill, the scientists say, could be available in the market in about five years' time. Initially tests will be carried out in animals before it is offered to humans.
The researchers involved in the study are Dr Christopher Smith and Dr Nnaemeka I B Amobi.
Smith said if a man is taking the pill over a period of several months and decides to come off it, his fertility can be expected to return just as quickly as if he had taken it on a one-off basis.
