Researchers have made a discovery which could pave the way for a male contraceptive pill.
The scientists, working with colleagues in Australia, believe blocking two proteins could be effective without affecting sexual behaviour.
Professor Richard Evans, from the University of Leicester, said the work could lead to the development of a contraceptive pill for men within 10 years.
A study of mice found "turning off" two genes prevented the production of the proteins P2X1-purinoreceptors and alpha1A-adrenoreceptors, which are found in the muscle cells that trigger the transport of sperm. Blocking the proteins meant the sperm remained in the testes upon ejaculation.
The study built on previous research by Prof Evans which looked at how the P2X1 receptor is turned on.
This provided the foundation for developing drugs which would also be useful in preventing strokes and heart attacks.
He said the research was "encouraging".
fertilization
Dr Sab Ventura, one of the lead researchers from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in Australia, said: "Previous strategies have focused on hormonal targets or mechanisms that produce dysfunctional sperm incapable of fertilization.
"But they often interfere with male sexual activity and cause long-term, irreversible effects on fertility.
"We have shown that simultaneously disrupting the two proteins that control the transport of sperm during ejaculation causes complete male infertility, but without affecting the long-term viability of sperm or the sexual or general health of males.
"The sperm is effectively there but the muscle is just not receiving the chemical message to move it."
Dr Ventura said there was already a drug that targeted one of the two proteins, but researchers would have to find a chemical and develop a drug to block the second.
He said: "The next step is to look at developing an oral male contraceptive drug, which is effective, safe, and readily reversible."
The research was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
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