Holy grail of birth control

FOR decades researchers have searched for an effective male equivalent to the Pill.

Aside from condoms, a vasectomy is the only method of contraception for men – but women have long insisted that they should not have all the responsibility for family planning.

Women are also uneasy about the female Pill’s potential to raise the risk of blood clots and heart problems. But the search for a male contraceptive has been beset by difficulties.

Many attempts have had an impact on libido, while others had affected virility. Researchers also found using hormones affected liver function – a problem the latest attempt seems to have solved. One radical alternative being considered is a temporary ‘chemical vasectomy’, using medication to stop sperm leaving the body.