Return to Transcripts main page

CNN World Report

Researchers Develop New Forms of Male Contraceptives

Aired July 22, 2001 - 14:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: Up until now, condoms have been the most popular form of male contraceptive, but after years of medical research, men could soon have another option. Britain's ITN has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUE SAVILLE, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The myth of the male form of the pill is becoming a reality. Researchers say an implant of hormones could last three years without permanent side effects.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think implant is good, because once it's in place people don't have to worry about it, you know, they don't have to remember to take a tablet. So, I think in terms of people worrying, you know, is a person going to take the tablet, that's not an issue.

SAVILLE: The male contraceptive works without having to take a pill every day. An implant is placed under the skin, giving out hormones which stop sperm production. Because the hormones will lower the man's sex drive, he will need injections of testosterone. A development toward an implant for men is welcomed by the Family Planning Association.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's important that we encourage men to be a part of the contraception decision making. Worldwide, one in four men are responsible for contraception, and we know since the HIV and AIDS debate that we are encountering safer sex and using condoms, so men have a very important role in contraception and will continue to do so.

SAVILLE: The pill for women has been around for more than 40 years, and although there have been developments like a hormone implant for women, there has been no chemical contraceptive for men. The prospects of an implant for men found mixed reactions.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I mean, kind of useful contraception, the more forms of it there are that are working, the better (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I won't go through the procedure, no. I don't think so, no. I'm scared of going under the knife.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You just want to make sure that you can see the implant going in, so they didn't lie about it.

SAVILLE (on camera): If trials of the hormone implants for men prove successful, they could be available from (UNINTELLIGIBLE) within five or six years, if men themselves are willing to opt for them.

Sue Saville, ITN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com