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Update on the male hormonal contraceptive agents
Melanie Walton1, Richard A Anderson
1MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|August 28, 2004
Summary
New hormonal male contraceptives are in development, aiming for reversible sperm reduction. These methods involve testosterone or other hormones to suppress sperm production, offering future choices for men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Male Contraception Research
- Pharmaceutical Development
Background:
- Limited options exist for male contraception globally.
- Recent acceleration in research and industry investment is noted.
- Hormonal approaches are a key area of clinical investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current progress in male hormonal contraceptive development.
- To outline the mechanisms and components of hormonal male contraceptives.
- To highlight the need for effective and acceptable male contraceptive choices.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research and clinical investigations in male hormonal contraception.
- Discussion of hormonal strategies including testosterone, progestogens, and GnRH antagonists.
- Emphasis on the necessity of androgen administration to maintain physiological testosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Hormonal male contraceptives aim to suppress pituitary gonadotropin secretion.
- This suppression leads to reversible reduction in spermatogenesis and potentially azoospermia.
- Testosterone administration is crucial to counteract suppressed endogenous testosterone production.
Conclusions:
- Male hormonal contraceptives are advancing, with several regimens under investigation.
- Combinations of testosterone with progestogens or GnRH antagonists are key strategies.
- Continued pharmaceutical investment is vital for translating research into viable contraceptive options.