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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
11:51
Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
The struggle for male hormonal contraception
1Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology CeRA, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 11, D-48149 Münster, Germany. Eberhard.nieschlag@ukmuenster.de
Summary
Male hormonal contraception suppresses LH and FSH, using testosterone alone or with gestagen. Ongoing trials will determine the future of this male birth control method.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Male reproductive health
- Hormonal contraception
Background:
- Male hormonal contraception aims to suppress gonadotropins (LH and FSH) while maintaining androgenicity.
- Testosterone, alone or combined with a gestagen, is the primary approach.
- Several clinical trials have evaluated pregnancy rates as efficacy endpoints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing clinical trials on male hormonal contraception.
- To assess the efficacy of testosterone-based regimens.
- To provide an outlook on the future of male hormonal contraception.
Main Methods:
- Review of five clinical trials with pregnancy rates as endpoints.
- Inclusion of one trial conducted by the pharmaceutical industry.
- Consideration of an ongoing large multicenter trial by WHO and CONRAD.
Main Results:
- Testosterone alone or in combination with a gestagen can achieve the goal of male hormonal contraception.
- Previous trials provide data on efficacy, but further large-scale studies are needed.
Conclusions:
- Male hormonal contraception is achievable through testosterone-based regimens.
- The success of male hormonal contraception depends on ongoing large-scale trials.
- Future developments will be guided by results from major international studies.
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