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Male hormonal contraception: looking back and moving forward
M Y Roth1, S T Page1, W J Bremner1
1Department of Medicine and Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Andrology
|October 11, 2015
Summary
Male hormonal contraception aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies, but no reversible options are currently available. This review covers the science, history, and future of male birth control methods.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Contraceptive development
- Men's health
Background:
- Approximately 50% of pregnancies globally are unplanned, despite available female contraceptives.
- There is significant public interest in developing reversible male contraception.
- Currently, no male contraceptive methods are approved for market.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological basis of male hormonal contraception.
- To examine the historical development of male contraceptive agents.
- To discuss current agents in development and their associated risks and benefits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on male contraception.
- Analysis of physiological mechanisms underlying hormonal male contraception.
- Synthesis of data on agents currently in clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Hormonal male contraception relies on suppressing sperm production through various hormonal combinations.
- Several novel agents are in different phases of development, showing promise.
- Potential risks include hormonal side effects, while benefits include shared contraceptive responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Male hormonal contraception has a strong scientific basis and growing support.
- Further research and development are crucial to bring safe and effective male contraceptives to market.
- Successful male contraceptive options could significantly impact reproductive health outcomes worldwide.
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