From condoms to vasectomy, men all over the world have had a complicated relationship with contraceptives. A large majority hates the condom since it is believed to reduce pleasure, apart from killing the spontaneity and emotional intimacy of sex. But that doesn’t endear them to other types of contraception either. Vasectomy, despite its proven efficiency and safety, has never managed to become popular among the menfolk. And the side effects and mood swings associated with male oral contraceptive have made men swear off the pill as well. Which brings the burden of contraception back on women. Read all about DMAU, another male contraceptive pill that can change the male contraception game.

But new research suggests that may be about to change. Scientists have tested a new male contraceptive named EP055 which effectively inhibits sperm without causing any side effects. New male hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives are under development that can either hamper the production of sperm or the delivery of sperm. EP055 is a small organic compound that targets sperm protein EPPIN on the surface of human spermatozoa and inhibits its movement. When the movement of the sperm is inhibited, it cannot travel into the fallopian tubes and fertilise the eggs.

In a study published in PLOS ONE, scientists tested the efficiency of the drug in four macaque monkeys. After a high dose administration of EP055, the sperm motility reduced considerably. And after a period of 18 days, the monkeys made full recovery and their sperm mobility was back to normal. The study gave the researchers a reason to believe that EP055 could be an effective contraceptive for men that is not only effective but also reversible.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2018 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).