The key to an effective male birth control pill may lie in a gene found only in the testicles. Arrdc5-arrestin-containing molecules can be found in many mammalian species. This type of protein is found only in testicular tissue. A University of Washington study found Arrdc5’s function in regulating sperm production, and in tests where the gene’s activity was temporarily shut down, production decreased significantly, potentially leading to temporary sterility. Arrdc5 may also be associated with oligoasthenoteratospermia. Oligoasthenoteratospermia syndrome is a condition where abnormal changes occur in the sperm. These changes can be a significantly reduced sperm count, problems with the movement of sperm during ejaculation, or a change in the shape of the sperm. Developing a male contraceptive drug using Arrdc5 would have a huge advantage over contraception, where sex hormones such as testosterone are affected, which is involved in both the production of sperm in the testicles and the production of red blood cells in the body, as well as building muscle strength and bone density. Another problem when looking for birth control pills that affect the sex hormone is the return of normal testosterone levels. This problem can be avoided with Arrdc5, which will not permanently take away a man’s ability to produce sperm, but will disrupt the process for proper sperm production temporarily and allow, by removing the drug from the body, the male to return to normal. reproductive system in the body. Female hormonal contraception, which can have unwanted side effects, is not always readily available to all women. According to the United Nations, about half of all pregnancies worldwide are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancy in 6 out of 10 cases ends in abortion. Women who live in countries where abortion is prohibited or do not have access to appropriate, safe abortion methods are resorting to life-threatening methods. The availability of a male contraceptive would greatly help reduce unwanted pregnancies and trauma. References: Simmons, L. (2023, April 17) Male Contraception Could Be Edging Closer Thanks To New Genetic Discovery. Retrieved 2023, April 18 from https://www.iflscience.com/male-contraception-could-be-edging-closer-thanks-to-new-genetic-discovery-68481 Giassetti, M. (2023, April 17) ARRDC5 expression is conserved in mammalian testes and required for normal sperm morphogenesis. Retrieved 2023, April 18 from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37735-y Washington State University (2023, April 17) New genetic target for male contraception identified. Retrieved 2023, April 17 from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/986013 WHO (2021, November 25) Abortion fact sheet. Retrieved 2023, April 18 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion