Sexual health poll: Women - would you trust a man to take the male contraceptive pill?

Earlier this year, scientists announced they were close to overcoming the scientific barriers in the way of the male contraceptive pill – which for the first time, would allow men to share equal responsibility in taking birth control medication.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota said they had altered compounds to develop a medication that works for men with fewer side-effects.

For years, scientists have been trying to find the right formula to provide temporary infertility in men. The hormone testosterone has been studied as a potential male contraceptive, but there are drawbacks which need to be addressed.

"At certain doses, testosterone causes infertility, but at those doses it doesn't work for up to 20% gain and a decrease in 'good cholesterol'", said Jillian Kyzer, a researcher working on the project.

Although there is some way to go before the medication is on the shelves, the research marked headway into developing a male pill.

Eventually, the male pill could be a viable alternative for women who do not want to take the contraceptive pill, or for women who cannot take the pill for medication reasons, such as high blood pressure. Like the female pill, it would not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The development of a hormonal contraceptive for men is ongoing, but the progress raises the issue of whether women would trust their partners to use method responsibly. Ahead of Sexual Health Week, let us know what you think in the poll below.