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Published on: May 12, 2019
Low dose gossypol for male contraception
1Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China. zpgu@mail.shcnc.ac.cn
Asian Journal of Andrology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Lower gossypol doses (10-12.5 mg daily) effectively induce male infertility by reducing sperm density and motility. This regimen avoids side effects like hypokalemia and irreversibility, with fertility returning after treatment cessation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gossypol has shown promise as a male contraceptive.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential side effects, including hypokalemia and irreversibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if reduced gossypol doses can achieve male infertility while mitigating side effects.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of lower gossypol dosages for male contraception.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-seven male volunteers were divided into control, 10 mg gossypol, and 12.5 mg gossypol groups.
- Hormonal levels (testosterone, FSH, LH) and serum potassium were monitored.
- Sperm parameters (density, motility) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Both gossypol groups achieved infertility levels (< 4 million/mL sperm density) within 2 months.
- No significant changes in potassium, testosterone, FSH, or LH were observed.
- No cases of hypokalemia or myoasthenia were reported; fertility returned post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- A loading dose of 10-12.5 mg gossypol daily, followed by a maintenance dose, induces reversible male infertility.
- This regimen effectively avoids hypokalemia and irreversibility, suggesting a safer contraceptive option.
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