Perth - Contraception could soon be as simple as a cup of tea. Researchers at the University of Western Australia's agriculture department have been investigating the effects on sperm production of extracts from the mangosteen tree leaf.
Traditionally, Javanese women living in mountain areas made herbal tea from mangosteen leaves before having intercourse to prevent pregnancy, said Associate Professor Graeme Martin, who is leading the research.
Half of all conceptions in England and Wales are now outside marriage, with an increasing number of women choosing to delay having children, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
The report shows that the UK has the highest number of births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years old in eight European countries studied. In 1997 there were 30 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years old in the UK, compared to 17 per 1,000 in the Republic of Ireland.