The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications and funded by the US National Institutes of Health, indicates that a single dose of semen can numb before, after and during sex. In the experimental tests on mice, the effect persisted for three hours and did not fully wear off until after 24 hours.
Specifically, users would take the pill an hour before having sex, which prevents the sperm cells from reaching the egg. It is important to pay attention to the time, so that the pill does not work out. This experimental pill is reversible and men would therefore only take it when they feel it is necessary. That’s a big contrast to the contraceptive pill for women, which has to be taken daily. Experts do warn of an important risk, because it offers no protection against STIs.
Unlike the female contraceptive pill, this male contraceptive pill does not contain any hormones. According to scientists, this is very beneficial, since no testosterone is then suppressed. The experimental pill instead focuses on knocking out a specific protein.
The BBC cites Professor Allan Pacey, a professor specializing in andrology (everything related to the male sex hormone) at the University of Sheffield. He says that “this may be the most sought-after male contraceptive method”.