Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
04:22
Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Male contraception: past, present and future.
J Herdiman1, A Nakash, T Beedham
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal London Hospital, London, UK.
Summary
Research into male contraception has many promising avenues, but public awareness is low. This review explores past, present, and future male contraceptive methods beyond condoms and vasectomy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Urology
- Contraception Development
Background:
- Male contraception research has advanced significantly over 50 years.
- Public knowledge of male contraceptive options is limited due to insufficient support and funding.
- Existing methods like condoms and vasectomy are not the only options; safer, more effective, and user-friendly alternatives exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore historical and current male contraceptive methods.
- To discuss potential future developments in male contraception.
- To raise awareness about the breadth of male contraceptive research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and contemporary male contraceptive research.
- Analysis of existing and emerging male contraceptive technologies.
- Discussion of factors influencing the development and adoption of male contraceptives.
Main Results:
- Numerous promising leads in male contraception have been identified over the past five decades.
- A significant gap exists between research progress and public awareness.
- Several male contraceptive methods offer potential advantages in safety, efficacy, and ease of use compared to current options.
Conclusions:
- Continued research and increased institutional support are crucial for advancing male contraception.
- Greater public education is needed to inform individuals about the diverse range of male contraceptive options.
- Future male contraceptive development holds the potential to expand reproductive choices for men.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Birth Control Methods
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...