Great news, a contraceptive pill for men without side-effects! Now how about one for women? | Zoe Williams

Making men share responsibility for preventing unwanted pregnancy would have big implications - if it ever happens

The arrival of a male contraceptive pill is imminent. Scientists at Washington State University have identified the gene responsible for normal sperm production, and a way to block it. Meanwhile, at Weill Cornell Medicine earlier this year, a separate team closed in on a short-term, two-hour sperm blocker that met the same criteria: that it was reversible, and that it didn't work by hormonal interference.

It's a bit like the unveiling of a hoverboard: yes, sure, amazing, what a frontier technology, how wonderful to see the future airborne. On the other hand, guys, you've been talking about this for so long that it feels dated before it's even hit the market.

Zoe Williams is a Guardian columnist

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.