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Reversible, non-barrier male contraception: status and prospects
1Department of Urology, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Technical University Munich, Romanstr. 93, 80639 Munich, Germany. cornelia_hoesl@yahoo.de
European Urology
|October 19, 2005
Summary
New research shows men are willing to take contraceptive responsibility. Pharmacological male contraception, using hormones or non-endocrine methods, is advancing toward safe and reversible options.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Contraception Research
Background:
- Limited non-barrier male contraceptive options exist, primarily vasectomy.
- Current non-vasectomy methods like withdrawal and periodic abstinence are inadequate.
- Men express willingness to share contraceptive responsibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current research in pharmacological male contraception.
- To explore promising avenues for male contraceptive development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed publications.
- Review of documented abstracts from scientific meetings.
Main Results:
- Hormonal contraception, suppressing gonadotropins, shows significant promise.
- Combinations of androgens with progestins or GnRH antagonists induce reversible infertility.
- Non-endocrine approaches include triptolide derivatives, alkylated imino sugars, and eppin immunization.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological male contraception has advanced significantly.
- Long-term studies are needed to confirm safety, reversibility, and efficacy.
- Hormonal methods may first reach markets in Asia, with non-endocrine options offering future alternatives.
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