Question

Hormonal: Male birth control pills are currently being developed. These pills work by manipulating male hormones and/or responses to hormones. Imagine you are a research scientist helping to develop a male birth control pill. Based on your understanding of how normal male reproductive hormones influence fertility, propose at least one mechanism by which a male birth control pill could work with minimal side effects:

Hormonal: Female birth control pills, patches, and some types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) work by manipulating female hormones and/or responses to hormones. Based on your understanding of how normal female reproductive hormones influence fertility, propose at least one mechanism by which these types of female birth control could work with minimal side effects:

Answer 1

Male pills-

As we know, sperms are the main reproductive structure which is responsible for the fertility of men. Introduction of sperms to the ova of the female leads to pregnancy. Sperm production is stimulated by male hormone testosterone. If by any means we could stop sperm production or sperm maturation without doing any harm to testosterone , then side effects of male pills will be minimal. If sperm production is reduced or stopped, then chances of pregnancy will be very less.

Thus an ideal male pill should decrease sperm production without affecting testosterone level.

Female pills-.

Different type of female birth control pills works by manipulating hormones produced in female body.

If production of ova is inhibited,then pregnancy will not occur. So if by any means, we could stop ova production,our purpose of birth control will be solved.

This could be achieved if levels of progesterone and estrogen are increased. This will send negative feedback and ova production will not occur. Thus a female should have a combination of progesterone and estrogen in appropriate amount to minimize side effects.