British men first in the world to try new hormone-free male contraceptive pill

Unlike the female pill, a new male equivalent, YCT-529, is hormone-free and prevents sperm production by blocking access to vitamin A. If the tests prove successful, scientists hope the responsibility for contraception could be shared between the sexes.

A group of British men have become the first in the world to trial a new hormone-free male contraceptive pill.

Unlike the female pill, a male equivalent, YCT-529, is hormone-free and prevents sperm production by blocking access to vitamin A.

Previous versions of male birth control have tried to suppress testosterone in a bid to halt sperm production, but this was not completely effective and was linked to complications.

Studies dating back almost 100 years have shown depriving mice, rats and monkeys of vitamin A can lead to infertility – a fact which has inspired the new hormone-free pill.

Makers claim new method could be more effective than condoms

Pre-clinical studies have found YCT-529 is “99% effective and 100% reversible, with no side effects”, according to experts at its manufacturer, YourChoice Therapeutics, based in San Francisco.

The new hormone-free drug is being tested by 16 British men, with the initial trial phase conducted by Nottingham-based drug development company, Quotient Sciences.

Men are currently limited to using condoms or having a vasectomy to prevent unwanted pregnancies, while women can choose from the pill, coil, contraceptive injection and female condoms or diaphragms.