Heard of contraceptive pills for male? It may be reality one day. Researchers showed promising results with EP055, a small organic compound in animal studies. In future, EP055 may provide a reversible, short-lived , non hormonal pharmacological alternative for male contraception.

Presently men’s have two practical approaches for contraception: Condom and vasectomy. Typically condoms have high failure rates and for vasectomy they need to undergo under scalpel.

What are the Potential targets for male contraception?

1. Spermatogenesis (Process of Production of sperm )or
2. The delivery of sperm

EPPIN protein is present on sperm surface. It functions as

• Bactericide,
• An inhibitor of prostate specific antigen enzyme activity and
• Binds the seminal plasma protein semenogelin. Semenogelin inhibit sperm motility.

In a normal fertilization process, ejaculated sperm coated are with Smenogelin resulting in a temporary loss of sperm motility. Prostate specific antigen removes semenogelin and helps Sperm to regain motility .Lack lack of PSA activity results in seminal hyper-viscosity and infertility.

Image source: .india.com