This is a new method of birth control for men that doesn’t mess around with needles. What makes it unique it the fact that it can help with both fertility problems and birth control.

Researchers at UC Berkeley and Yale University found a switch that will turn sperm from the lazy swimmers they are in the testicles to the vigorous swimmers they are when exposed to an egg. A slight change can have the exact opposite effect, and eliminate the chances of fertilization instead.

Researchers knew that when sperm is exposed to progesterone, a hormone put out by ova, they become more energetic swimmers. They also knew that this hormone flips the switch by allowing a rush of calcium into a sperm’s tail, and that it was triggered by a protein called CatSper. Scientists found that if they disabled a certain class of enzymes the sperm never switched on. With careful refinement, they zeroed in on the exact protein that progesterone must bind to in order to activate the sperm: ABHD2.

Male contraceptive options are thin on the ground right now. Although multiple contraceptive options are in development, they have drawbacks. Vasalgel, a gel that blocks the vas deferens, is effective and temporary, but it has to be injected into the vas deferens. Adjudin is a drug that blocks production of sperm, and also seems to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative properties, but needs to be taken in very high doses.

This protein can be a perfect solution for birth control.

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Author: Technology and Beyond