Is the male pill really on its way?

Say hello to uncontrollable mood swings, as a male contraceptive pill could finally be on the way following a crucial gene discovery.

Researchers in Edinburgh have identified a gene critical to the creation of healthy sperm and are currently in the final stage of creating their own sperm after successful experiments on mice.

Having originally been investigating the causes of male infertility, researchers at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh randomly altered the mice's genetic code before eventually finding the gene Katnal1, which eventually led to a protein that supports the development of sperm.

The plan is now to create a pill that will stop the development of sperm and also prevent any damage to its user, although hopefully it doesn't involve mood swings or unexpected weight gain too.

Dr Allan Pacey, a senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, told the BBC that the discovery was the "Holy Grail" of research in the creation of a male form of the pill.

"The key in developing a non-hormonal contraceptive for men is that the molecular target needs to be very specific for either sperm or other cells in the testicle which are involved in sperm production.

"If they are not, then such a contraceptive could have unwanted side effects on other cells and tissues in the body and may even be dangerous," he added.

"The gene described by the research group in Edinburgh sounds like an exciting new possible target for a new male contraceptive, but it may also shed light on why some men are sub-fertile and why their sperm does not work properly."