Researchers closer to developing male birth control pills

ByMegan Ciampo WABC logo
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
WABC-WABC

NEW YORK -- Women's birth control pills went on the market in 1960 and today, dozens of female birth control methods exist but could "the pill" soon exist for men?

According to researchers from the University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy, the answer is yes.

The scientists say they're closer than ever to developing a medication that creates temporary male sterility. But, there are still some hurdles that need to be worked around.

Scientists say the contraceptive must still be configured into a safe, oral form. It also needs to not reduce the male libido and it must be reversible if the man eventually wants to father children.

It could take months, if not years, for the medication's testing to be finalized but if the Minnesota researchers are right, we could be on the right track.