Advances in male hormonal contraception

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2006 Apr;15(4):389-97. doi: 10.1517/13543784.15.4.389.

Abstract

There is a need to develop new contraceptives, particularly for men whose current choices are suboptimal in terms of effectiveness and ease of reversibility. Recent surveys indicate that men and their partners would be willing to rely on male hormonal contraceptives. Male hormonal contraception works by reversibly suppressing sperm production. Testosterone in combination with progestins or gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists induces profound and consistent sperm suppression. Asian men are more susceptible to the suppressive effects of testosterone given alone, even if they may benefit from the addition of an adjunctive agent to obtain optimal contraceptive protection. The aim of this review is to comment on the recent relevant achievements in the field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antispermatogenic Agents / chemistry
  • Antispermatogenic Agents / pharmacology
  • Contraception / methods
  • Contraception / trends*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / chemistry
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Hormone Antagonists / chemistry
  • Hormone Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate / trends

Substances

  • Antispermatogenic Agents
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male
  • Hormone Antagonists