Finally, The Male "Pill" Is THIS Close

By Tom Miller posted Feb 16th 2010 7:00PM

Forget a vasectomy, brah. There's a new male birth control on the horizon (maybe).

According to the Herald Sun, scientists haven't yet given up hope on the Holy Grail of a male birth control that can bridge the gap between boring, erection-threatening condoms and the semi-reversible vasectomy. Per the Herald Sun, these men (and women) of science are currently skirting the traditional daily oral tablet route, as it's apparently "common knowledge" that men cannot be trusted to remember to take a pill every single day because we are completely unaccountable when it comes to birth control of all types and medication in general. Read: Why Women Can't Rely On Male Birth Control

So the current plan involves replacing the pill with the jab (that's what Aussies and Brits call injections via hypodermic needle). Every two months, the guy will receive two shots and "trick" his brain into tricking the testicles into ceasing production of sperm. Because, obviously, men's brains can't be reasoned with to mothball the baby batter factory. This treatment would require a few sessions to become useful. Read: 7 Ways Male Birth Control Will Change Everything

Though only a dozen couples are involved in the trial, it seems to be very effective to date (ie. no one pulled out and no one got pregnant). Past versions of male birth control have failed at hitting that crucial balance between making semen impotent and making the whole reproductive system so. It's a little like plying one with enough alcohol to loosen up, but not so much that you lose the ability to consent, or suffer from scared-y wang.

Some healthcare types are cautiously optimistic. While men are generally not to be trusted with any and all birth control decisions, any extra form of protection (from non-requested pregnancy) is welcome. And regularly-scheduled trips to the doctor might just make men healthier (in addition to increasing their insurance premiums). Either way, it's a good idea to use two forms of birth control when possible, and pulling out and praying totally count. Read: Unsafe Sex a Sign of Commitment?

Would you be excited to see male birth control? Will dudes be into it?