A new hormone-free male birth control pill that is safe for humans has been developed in the US.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy have teamed up with Columbia University and YourChoice Therapeutics to develop a hormone-free oral contraceptive designed for men.

The pill, which uses a chemical called YCT-529, blocks vitamin A metabolites from binding to specific receptors in the testes, effectively stopping sperm production.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

This marks a new option for men looking for contraception, which until now was limited to the use of condoms or undergoing a vasectomy.

Previous iterations of the male contraceptive pill had side effects — such as weight gain, acne, mood changes and a lower sex drive — similar to what women who took the female contraceptive pill experienced.

The 16 men in the medical breakthrough trial reported no side effects.

7NEWS took to the streets of Sydney to ask men and women how they felt about the breakthrough trial.

While many steered clear of giving a firm opinion, the majority believed the trial pill was a good idea.

“I mean it should be available,” one man said.

“I think that was a good idea,” another added.

“Yeah, I’d give it deep thought though,” a third said.

“Yeah sure, why not. I’ve heard negative consequences from the pill, some women struggle a lot with that,” a fourth said.

Others described the contraceptive as a bad idea.

“I believe people shouldn’t have sex until they get married,” one young man said.

“I don’t plan on being sexually active, so no,” another added.

“Probably not ... it depends on the person you are having sex with,” a third said.

Not surprising, women were generally in favour of the new birth control pill for men.

“I think it would be a good option,” one woman said.

“It would be their choice [to take it], just like it’s my choice.”

“If females have to take one, why shouldn’t males?” another added.

“If they expected me to [take contraception] then yeah.”

“Yes, the load should be shared,” agreed a third woman.

“I’ve done it before and they should have a turn”.

Despite the small trial results showing the pill was safe for human use, many men disagreed.

“There might be something in them that .. has a negative effect on me,” a man said.

It is not yet know how much the drug — which hasn’t been approved for sale in the US or considered by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration — would cost to produce.