A gel developed by researchers in America could soon pave the way for a revolution in male birth control methods.
The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute is to begin testing of a daily contraceptive product that prevents pregnancy by temporarily stopping sperm production.
Officials at the centre say the gel, like the Pill, uses high doses of the body's own hormones to regulate fertility.
Spokesman Dr Ronald Swerdloff said: "It's very analogous to female contraceptives, in that it would allow very few pregnancies, it's reversible and it's safe."
The trial will involve 60 men, some of whom will try the gel alone and others a combination of the product, testosterone and progestin.
Scientists said the biggest barrier to promoting a male equivalent to the Pill was reluctance on the part of pharmaceutical companies to back such products, in turn fuelled by the expense of Food and Drug Administration approval and the lack of a guarantee the product would be successful.
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