Birth Control Pill for Men?
The spermatogenesis process has not been studied in depth until recently. Little progress has been made in understanding how the androgens responsible for sperm production actually work. However, a recent study done at the Centre for Reproductive Biology at The Queen's Medical Research Institute in the UK has enabled researchers to identify the specific androgen receptors that control testis function, spermatogenesis, and fertility. This discovery can lead to the development of a birth control pill for men, as well as a treatment for infertility.
The study was conducted using mice, and scientists assume that the procedure will have the same effect on other mammals as well as humans. The mice used were missing a specific gene that coded for androgen hormone receptors. These mice were infertile. Though it is known that stromal-epithelial interactions play an important role in controlling androgen action throughout the male reproductive tract, there is little in vivo evidence for this role in the testis. This mouse model provides a unique tool to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of androgen action, which could provide insight for the development of new male contraceptives and treatments for male infertility.
I found this article interesting because it could lead to the development of birth control for men. This puts less responsibility on the woman and if they are both taking birth control, the odds of unwanted pregnancy are almost zero. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it may lead to the development of treatment for male infertility, and couples unable to have children naturally would have another option as well as in-vitro fertilization. Treating male infertility by targeting the specific androgen receptors seems like it would be a less expensive approach for those unable to have children and can't afford IVF.
Eloura Durkee
VTPP 434-502
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posted by Eloura_Durkee at 12:21 PM
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