We all use our cellphone alarms for different things – some to haul us out of bed in the morning, some to let us know when the roast is ready to yank out the oven and others to remind themselves to take the pill and avoid a crying mini-human nine months down the line.

The world of male contraception is set for a massive change in the not-too-distant future, with scientists claiming to have developed a 100% effective male pill with no side effects. We’re going to hand over to the Daily Mail for the breakdown:

What’s in it?

It consists of a synthetic form of the female hormone progestogen, as well as a separate dose of the male hormone testosterone.

How does it work?

The progestogen shuts down the production of sperm in the testes.

Each sperm has a lifespan of 70 days from production, so the treatment must be taken for three months before it will be effective.

In its current form the contraception is taken as an injection every three months, although scientists are confident that they will soon be able to perfect the pill form. Now some of the vital questions taken care of:

Does it affect libido?

Traditionally male ‘Pills’ have substantially reduced sex drive which has discouraged many men from wanting to take it.

But in this case it does not appear to be true and the additional testosterone injection or implant helps maintain normal sex drive. Indeed, volunteers who tried the latest combination treatment reported that they found it actually increased their libido.

How effective is it?

The latest study in Australia found the contraceptive to be almost 100 per cent effective. However, studies using similar treatment in the UK last year found that it had a 93 per cent success rate at halting sperm production.

The female version is 99 per cent effective.

What are the main advantages of taking it?

The research so far suggests that as well as offering almost complete protection against pregnancy, it is also risk free…

Research also suggests that taking it may keep men more youthful – and therefore more attractive to women – as it cuts the production of testosterone, which is thought to contribute to the male ageing process.

Have we happened across the fountain of youth? Perhaps not just yet, although there are other ways to keep yourself in tip top nick of course.

It is hoped that the pill will be perfected within three to five years, with men returning to full fertility within seven months of coming off the treatment.

Although it is said to be without side effects if one removes the added testosterone, men can suffer from weight gain, moodiness and a reduced sex drive. There’s something that should frighten us all so let’s just wait until they have their ducks in a row before rushing to get on board.

[source:dailymail]