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It seems scientists are always finding ways to stop accidental pregnancies and the latest method discovered involves actually weakening sperm cells. This type of contraception only applies to males and involves a little genetic manipulation. By essentially robbing the little tadpoles with strength, they become unable to breach the walls of egg cells.
As the paper from the researchers at UC Berkley explains it, manipulating the calcium channel in sperms called CatSper basically weakens them. This is done by using steroids in order to prevent activation of what essentially amounts to a “power kick.”
“The calcium channel of sperm (CatSper) is essential for sperm hyperactivated motility and fertility,” the paper reads. “The steroid hormone progesterone activates CatSper of human sperm via binding to the serine hydrolase ABHD2. However, steroid specificity of ABHD2 has not been evaluated. Here, we explored whether steroid hormones to which human spermatozoa are exposed in the male and female genital tract influence CatSper activation via modulation of ABHD2.”
The researchers used Lupeol and Pristimerin to achieve this calcium blocking, which has actually been studied for various health benefits before, Futurism reports. This made them a little bit safer as far as experimental substances are concerned and the results have been promising, according to the study’s lead, biophysicist Polina Lishko.
In a recent interview with WIRED, Lishko noted that this contraceptive method offers a more efficient solution to the matter of male contraceptives. In fact, it’s substantially better than what is currently available.
“This method is not only 10 times more effective than anything currently on the market, but it clearly prevents fertilization,” Lishko explained. “There’s no embryo at any point.”
This is just the most recent in a string of emerging products directly tied to male contraception, with previous examples including injecting a type of gel into the tube that sperm travels through. None of the new options are available in the market yet since they require further testing and need to pass safety tests.
