Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
09:36
Murine Orchiectomy and Ovariectomy to Reduce Sex Hormone Production
Published on: November 17, 2023
13.1K
Continuing the search for a hormonal male contraceptive
Fiona Yuen1, Brian T Nguyen2, Ronald S Swerdloff1
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|March 22, 2020
Summary
Hormonal male contraception suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis to arrest sperm production. Androgens are crucial for suppressing this axis and maintaining male hormone functions, offering effective contraceptive options.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormonal male contraception aims to reversibly inhibit spermatogenesis.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis is a key target for hormonal regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the mechanisms of action for hormonal male contraception.
- To review past and emerging contraceptive formulations and delivery methods.
- To identify challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive development.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of the neuroendocrine control of spermatogenesis.
- Review of clinical trial data for testosterone and combined hormonal regimens.
- Analysis of factors influencing the development of novel male contraceptives.
Main Results:
- Hormonal male contraception effectively suppresses spermatogenesis by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.
- Androgens are essential for both axis suppression and maintaining peripheral functions.
- Previous studies show contraceptive efficacy comparable to female methods.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal male contraception is a viable option with established efficacy.
- Further development is needed for novel, user-friendly, and coitus-independent methods.
- Addressing diverse population needs is crucial for equitable access to male contraceptive options.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Birth Control Methods
5.7K
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...
5.7K
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
1.3K
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...
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...
1.3K
01:33Hormonal Regulation
35.5K
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
35.5K
01:40Hormonal Regulation
47.5K
Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
47.5K
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
6.2K
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...
6.2K
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
2.6K
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...
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...
2.6K