Among the men who took the birth control pill, average circulating testosterone levels dropped as low as that which occurs in a deficiency of the male hormone androgen.
After a trial showed a male contraceptive pill that works without significant side-effects if taken once a day, the hopes for this drug have increased.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is developing 11-beta-MNTDC and other male contraceptives, funded this study.
"Our results suggest that this pill will decrease sperm production while preserving libido", Christina Wang, the lead researcher, said.
The drug, known as 11-beta-MNTDC, mimics testosterone. During 28 days, all of them took one capsule daily with food. Five men reported a decreased sex drive, while two described mild erectile dysfunction, but Wang said sexual activity was not decreased.
Of the 30 men on drugs, four to six men in each group showed mild side effects like fatigue, acne or headache.
The new revelation comes in as a major boost for the male as it will help in family planning which for long has been left at the hands of women. However, researchers say it will be some time before a drug like 11-beta-MNTDC will be available to men.
Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish?
For years, scientists have been trying to develop a safe and effective version of the pill for men, and a new drug candidate could be the contraceptive we've been looking for.
New 737 MAX crash details reveal what may have been to blame
Investigators of a deadly 737 MAX crash in Indonesia in October have also focused on the new anti-stall system, called MCAS. But it still proposes that qualified 737 pilots would not need time on flight simulators to safely operate the aircraft.
It could still be 10 years before we see male oral contraception hitting our shelves.
"We are neglecting a major potential user population with the limited options now available to men".
It suppresses the levels of hormones that drive the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes.
Researchers speaking at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, in New Orleans, said that it could still be a decade before the pill was ready to use.
"The question that we are always asked - are men willing to use novel contraceptives?"
But the team of scientists aims to eventually transform the male birth control pill into an injection as "not all men want to take a pill every day", according to Wang.
No participant stopped taking the drug because of side effects, and all passed safety tests.
In the first clinical trial results on the drug, that balancing act looks like it might deliver a safe oral drug while hypothetically stopping sperm production - although it has to be emphasised this is only preliminary data.
The 28 days of treatment is too short an interval to observe optimal sperm suppression, according to Wang, who plans studies with his team over longer periods and then, if the effectiveness of the pill is proven, in sexually active couples.
Comments