An male contraceptive drug may soom become a reality. Scientists have tested an experimental male contraceptive drug that blocks connections to cells which feed the developing sperm - making the male infertile. So far, the tests have been conducted on rats.

As fairly low doses of the male contraceptive drug were used, no significant side effects were detected.

American and Italian scientists said the male infertility resulting from the contraceptive is not permanent, just like in female contraceptive pills. As soon as contraceptive treatment stops and the man becomes fertile again.

Team leader, Dr. D Mruk, the Center For Biomedical Research, New York, believes they have found a drug which could eventually become a male contraceptive pill.

Further studies are needed to find out whether the new male contraceptive drug is as effective and safe with human males, says article in Nature Medicine.