The pill for MEN

After years in the making, the male contraceptive pill could soon be a reality

- MISHAAL KHAN

More than 60 years ago, in 1961, women in the UK were given access to the contraceptive pill on the NHS, offering us new-found freedom and choice.

Since then, other forms of contraception, such as injections, patches and IUDs, have given us even more control over our bodies.

But, while scientific progress has benefited us, only two forms of contraception for men exist today – condoms or vasectomy. However, that’s about to change.

Scientists have carried out a trial on mice of a potential male contraceptive pill, with plans to test it on humans later this year. Amazingly, it proved to be 99% successful in preventing pregnancy – that’s a higher success rate than the women’s pill which, when taken ‘typically’, rather than ‘perfectly’ is 91%*. And, while some are sceptical, 58% of men surveyed said they would be willing to take the pill.

Woman delves deeper.

‘IT SHOULD BE A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY’

Michelle Urquhart, 40, and her husband Brian, 41, live in Paisley with their children, 17, 12 and six. Ever since I was 17, I’ve been on the pill and only took substantial breaks when Brian and I had children. Now I’ve been on it non-stop for six years, and I would welcome a longer break. So I’m pleased to know Brian would willingly take a male version, should it become available.

I was initially prescribed the pill by my GP in 1999 to help with acne and heavy periods, and continued taking it until 2008, when Brian and I planned to start a family.