Related Experiment Videos
Advances in male hormonal contraception
1VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98108, USA. bradley.anawalt@med.va.gov
Annals of Medicine
|January 31, 2002
Summary
New male hormonal contraceptives are being developed. These methods, including testosterone injections and progestin combinations, show promise for effective, reversible birth control, similar to female oral contraceptives.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Contraceptive development
- Men's health
Background:
- Urgent need for novel male contraceptive options beyond condoms.
- Existing hormonal contraceptives for women provide a model for male hormonal contraception.
- Regulation of spermatogenesis and ovulation relies on pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in male hormonal contraceptive development.
- To discuss the efficacy and safety of various hormonal regimens for male contraception.
- To highlight the potential of long-acting injectable or implantable male contraceptives.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials on male hormonal contraceptives.
- Analysis of hormonal suppression of gonadotropins and spermatogenesis.
- Evaluation of contraceptive efficacy and side effect profiles.
Main Results:
- Weekly high-dose testosterone (T) demonstrated contraceptive efficacy comparable to female oral contraceptives.
- Combination regimens (T plus progestin or GnRH analogue) achieved greater spermatogenesis suppression.
- Common side effects include modest weight gain and decreased HDL cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Male hormonal contraceptives show significant potential for effective and reversible birth control.
- Further research and development are ongoing for improved long-acting formulations.
- Hormonal male contraception could offer valuable family planning options globally.