Male birth control pill that “turns off sperm” now closer to becoming reality

American researchers claim they are coming closer to a working birth control pill for men. In a Daily Mail article, they reported that the contraceptive compound EP055 temporarily turned off the swimming ability of sperm in male monkeys.

They tested the compound on male macaques. Per their findings, the immobilizing effect took place 30 hours after infusion. Immobile sperm will have a very hard time reaching the egg for fertilization. None of the lab animals displayed negative side effects.

Researchers theorize that EP055 did not alter the male hormones of the monkeys. The compound itself is not a hormone, either. In comparison, most female birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone. These are female hormones that can cause side effects like moodiness, nausea, and obesity.