Thursday briefing: The long, long wait for a male contraceptive pill may soon be over
In today’s newsletter: Reversible male hormonal contraception could reach the market within five to 10 years. But why has this development been so slow? Good morning. Since the first vasectomy was performed in the 1890s (imagine being that volunteer), the male contraceptive armoury has barely advanced. The last reversible method was added to this repertoire centuries ago: while rubber condoms hit…
In a recent newsletter, the World Health Organization announced that a reversible male contraceptive pill could reach market availability within five to ten years. This development marks a significant advancement in the long-standing quest for male birth control methods.
The origins of male contraception trace back to the 19th century when the first vasectomy procedure was performed. However, the range of available options has remained limited. The last reversible method, condoms, emerged in the 1850s, although earlier versions can be traced back even further, to ancient Egypt.
The announcement by the WHO signals a potential breakthrough in the field of male contraception. Senior officials from Downing Street are actively engaging with thinktanks and pollsters to gauge public support for the UK rejoining the EU. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, a plane pilot stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft, with Israeli officials investigating whether the incident was a terror attack.
In the UK, there are indications that Iran may have been involved in recent terror-related events. Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and Andy Burnham, a UK government official, mentioned the possibility of Iranian involvement.
Additionally, immigration and asylum-related matters are in the spotlight. The UK government's "one in one out" deal with France, intended to deter small boat arrivals, is set to expire soon. However, negotiations over the matter have stalled as France seeks to establish an EU-wide scheme.
In other news, Esther Rantzen, a Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of Childline, has passed away at the age of 86. Her family released a statement paying tribute to her as a "most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother."
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
