"Breakthrough in Sperm Activation Could Lead to Male Contraceptive Pill"

Scientists from Michigan State University and collaborators have identified a molecular switch that enhances sperm activation, paving the way for a non-hormonal male birth control pill and better infertility treatments.

• Researchers from Michigan State University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Van Andel Institute have discovered a new enzyme mechanism that activates sperm for successful fertilisation.
• This breakthrough reveals that sperm remain in a sleep-like state before ejaculation, requiring a metabolic shift involving glucose to energize them for reaching the egg.
• The findings could lead to innovative birth control methods, including a male contraceptive pill that operates without hormonal alterations, potentially transforming infertility treatments.