Despite decades of research no male contraceptive ready for market

NOT long before Christmas, newspapers, radio stations and TV networks were abuzz with some exciting news: the male pill could soon be a reality.

Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne had discovered a way to block a couple of proteins that controlled the movement of sperm. The result was complete but temporary infertility — there would be no long-term effects on the “viability of sperm or the sexual or general health of men”, assured Dr Sabatino Ventura, the head researcher.

The medication would be taken orally, just like the female contraceptive pill, and that was not the only attractive feature. Crucially — for men at least — taking it would have no impact on libido or sexual behaviour. “If anything, their performance should improve with the strategy we are using,” Ventura told Australian TV.