The Use of Liquefaction Inhibitors as a Non-Hormonal Birth Control Method
A recent study from researchers at Washington State University has shown success in keeping semen in its gel form to block sperm movement and possibly prevent pregnancy. The methods used in this study may eventually materialize into a non-hormonal female contraception method that could be available for over-the-counter purchase. Past research on mice found that the use of a non-specific protease inhibitor called AEBSF prevented the degradation of the protein of Semenogelin 1. Semenogelin 1 (SEMG1) is a protein that traps semen and prevents movement; therefore, its degradation is necessary for sperm liquefaction, where semen is transformed from a gel-like consistency to liquid. By inhibiting the degradation of SEMG1, the researchers were able to prevent the female mice from becoming pregnant. To determine the efficacy of these inhibitors in humans for contraception, the study tested the effects of AEBSF on SEMG1 degradation, which prevented degradation and reduced sperm motility. They next tested the results of a neutralizing antibody that directly inhibited...
