Researchers tested the sticky beads in the lab before trying them out on mice. Motherboard quotes Dr. Jurrien Dean of the National Institute of Health as saying: “The beads were implanted into the mice and were well-tolerated, not harming the mice or affecting their reproductive tract and mating behaviour.”

But while any contraceptive developments are exciting, don’t hold your breath to see Sticky Beads™ in Boots anytime soon. For a start, there’s no conclusive evidence that the beads would also work in humans, but scientists also need to figure out how to get the beads to stay in the uterus.

Most of the beads ended up being 'lost' over the course of several weeks, presumably via discharge from the reproductive tract. Because of this, all of the female mice used in the experiment eventually produced a litter of mouse babies, which isn’t really what you want from your birth control.

The researchers at the National Institute of Health also think that the sticky beads could be used for infertility treatments, as they could help select the healthiest sperm.

We're still holding out for the male pill...

Images: iStock

‘Sticky beads’ that trap sperm are the latest bright idea for contraception