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Contraceptive pill for males is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy

Getty Birth control pills for males have been 99% successful in tests in mice

The breakthrough medication could bring balance to the contraceptive burden, with far fewer options available to men.

Presenting their findings at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society on Wednesday, scientists will announce the creation of a new non-hormonal male contraceptive pill that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice without obvious side-effects.

While women can take several pills or use patches or intrauterine devices, men only have access to single-use condoms which are prone to failure and largely irreversible vasectomies.

Vasectomies are surgical procedures which can potentially be reversed, but are generally considered a permanent form of male sterilisation.

The reversal surgery is "expensive and not always successful", the researchers said, showing the need for "an effective, long-lasting but reversible contraceptive, similar to the birth control pill for women".

"Scientists have been trying for decades to develop an effective male oral contraceptive, but there are still no approved pills on the market," Dr Abdullah Al Noman, who is presenting the work at the meeting, said.

There are several compounds undergoing clinical trials but they target the male sex hormone testosterone, which could cause weight gain, depression and other side-effects.

"We wanted to develop a non-hormonal male contraceptive to avoid these side effects," Dr Noman, a graduate student in the Gunda Georg laboratory at the University of Minnesota, said.

The team hopes to begin human clinical trials in the second half of this year.

Dr Georg, head of the medicinal chemistry department at the university, said: "Because it can be difficult to predict if a compound that looks good in animal studies will also pan out in human trials, we’re currently exploring other compounds as well."

Reference: Alexander Martin, technology reporter 

What is Deltacron and what do we know about the new variant in the UK so far? 

Reference: Evening Standard: Barney Davis  

Experts warn hay fever symptoms could spike over next few days

While many people will be looking forward to the warmer weather in the UK, it can be a nightmare for those suffering from hay fever, warns experts.

Yui Mok/PA Wire Hay fever symptoms could break out amid rising temperatures, according to a new study

Rising temperatures may cause tree pollen levels to rise all across the country, especially over the next few days. The Met Office predicts that the first week of spring will see dry, sunny weather with daytime temperatures sitting comfortably in the mid to late teens.

But, it is also believed that climate change may lead to the grass and tree pollen season lasting longer than usual. Furthermore, those who suffer from hay fever believe pollution (64 per cent), rising temperatures (52 per cent) and extreme weather conditions (38 per cent) are the biggest environmental factors impacting their allergies, Wales Online reports.

New research from Kleenex surveyed 2,000 people in the UK with hay fever and discovered that many of their symptoms have gotten worse in the past 12 months. Common symptoms include sneezing (72 per cent), itchy eyes (64 per cent) and a runny nose (48 per cent).

One-third of those in the survey admitted the severity of their allergies made them stay indoors while 12 per cent said they have called in sick to work as a result. The survey also discovered that, on average, increased symptoms for allergy sufferers resulted in a loss of two hours of sleep a night while 33 per cent said they avoid local parks and green spaces.

A quarter even wrongly self-diagnosed their hay fever symptoms for Covid-19. According to the research, more than half (58 per cent) were unaware of what pollen they were allergic to. Only one fifth (20 per cent) recognised their symptoms as hay fever.

Amena Warner, head of clinical services at the charity Allergy UK, said: “Living with allergies and maintaining a quality of life is not always easy. Enjoying everyday activities can become a real struggle. With the realities that warmer weather brings, it is crucial that allergy sufferers be given the advice, support and tools to manage their symptoms whilst staying active and healthy.”

Kleenex has been developing new technology to enhance its pollen forecast, allowing users to check the forecast at home and work up to five days in advance. A quiz is also available to give people a better idea of whether it is grass, tree, or weed pollen that causes symptoms.

Jin Zhang, global medical director at Kimberly-Clark UK, said: “When temperatures rise, primary sources of pollutants tend to increase, making the air quality even more challenging for millions of hay fever sufferers. As such, global warming will likely cause pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer.”

The survey was conducted online by Mortar Research in March 2022 according to Market Research Society guidelines.

Reference: Nina Massey, PA Science Correspondent & David Flett & Kieran Isgin

Thyroid disease: Watch out for these symptoms

The thyroid is a large, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck which regulates your metabolism by releasing hormones into your bloodstream.

Types of thyroid disease typically fall into three categories; hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules or cancer.

When this essential gland becomes disordered, many of the body’s functions start to slow down and it can hinder your everyday life.