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Kanakis GA, Pofi R, Goulis DG, Isidori AM, Armeni E, Erel CT, Fistonić I, Hillard T, Hirschberg AL, Meczekalski B, Mendoza N, Mueck AO, Simoncini T, Stute P, van Dijken D, Rees M, Lambrinoudaki I. EMAS position statement: Testosterone replacement therapy in older men. Maturitas 2023; 178:107854. [PMID: 37845136 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Late-onset hypogonadism is the clinical entity characterised by low testosterone concentrations associated with clinical symptoms in the absence of organic disease in ageing men. It has been associated with metabolic syndrome, reduced bone mineral density, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk. Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) reverses most of these conditions in young hypogonadal men, the risk/benefit ratio of TRT in older men is debatable. AIM To update the 2015 EMAS statement on TRT in older men with new research on late-onset hypogonadism and TRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature review and consensus of expert opinion. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS TRT should be offered only to symptomatic older men with confirmed low testosterone concentrations after explaining the uncertainties regarding the long-term safety of this treatment. TRT may be offered to men with severe hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction to improve sexual desire, erectile, and orgasmic function. It should also be considered in hypogonadal men with severe insulin resistance or pre-diabetes mellitus. TRT may also be considered, in combination with proven treatment strategies, for osteoporosis, or for selected patients with persistent mild depressive symptoms and/or low self-perceived quality of life, combined with standard medical care for each condition. TRT is contraindicated in hypogonadal men actively seeking fertility treatment. Due to a lack of data, TRT should not be routinely used in older men to improve exercise capacity/physical function, improve cognitive function, or prevent cognitive decline. TRT must be avoided in older, frail men with known breast cancer or untreated prostate cancer and all men who have had myocardial infarction or stroke within the last four months, and those with severe or decompensated heart failure. The quality of evidence regarding patients with previous prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease is too low to draw definitive conclusions. Any limits on duration of use are arbitrary, and treatment should continue for as long as the man feels the benefits outweigh the risks for him, and decisions must be made on an individual basis. Withdrawal should be considered when hypogonadism is reversed after the resolution of underlying disorder. Short-acting transdermal preparations should be preferred for TRT initiation in older men, but injectable forms may be considered subsequently. Older men on TRT should be monitored at 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation and at least yearly thereafter, or earlier and more frequently if indicated. Evaluation should include assessment of the clinical response, and measurement of total testosterone, haematocrit, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. Bone density and/or quality should also be assessed. Obese and overweight patients should be encouraged to undergo lifestyle modifications, including exercise and weight loss, to increase endogenous testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology & IVF Unit, Athens Naval and Veteran Affairs Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Armeni
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - C Tamer Erel
- İstanbul-Cerrahpaşa University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ivan Fistonić
- Faculty for Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Timothy Hillard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospitals Dorset, Poole, UK
| | - Angelica-Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nicolás Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Alfred O Mueck
- Department of Women's Health, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Beijing OB/GYN Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dorenda van Dijken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margaret Rees
- Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Billa E, Kanakis GA, Goulis DG. Endocrine Follow-Up of Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Following Testicular Sperm Extraction. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153323. [PMID: 34362107 PMCID: PMC8347935 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is a surgical procedure which, combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, constitutes the main treatment for achieving biological parenthood for patients with infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Although it is effective, TESE procedures might cause structural testicular damage leading to Leydig cell dysfunction and, consequently, temporary or even permanent hypogonadism with long-term health consequences. To a lesser extent, the same complications have been reported for microdissection TESE, which is considered less invasive. The resulting hypogonadism is more profound and of longer duration in patients with Klinefelter syndrome compared with other NOA causes. Most studies on serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations negatively correlate with total testosterone concentrations, which depends on the underlying histology. As hypogonadism is usually temporary, and a watchful waiting approach for about 12 months postoperative is suggested. In cases where replacement therapy with testosterone is indicated, temporary discontinuation of treatment may promote the expected recovery of testosterone secretion and revise the decision for long-term treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Billa
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (G.A.K.)
| | - George A. Kanakis
- IVF Unit, Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval and Veteran Affairs Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (G.A.K.)
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Gynecomastia (GM) is the benign proliferation of glandular tissue in the male breast. It is a common condition, which may occur physiologically and shows three age peaks during a male's lifespan: infancy, puberty, and senescence. An underlying pathology may be revealed in 45%-50% of adult men with GM, such as aggravating medications, systemic diseases, obesity, endocrinopathies, or malignancy. OBJECTIVE To discuss the role of imaging in the evaluation of GM and its contribution to therapeutic decision-making. MATERIALS/METHODS The current literature was reviewed through PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL electronic databases to identify the best available evidence concerning imaging modalities in patients with GM. RESULTS Most male breast lesions can be diagnosed on clinical grounds; however, in certain cases, when physical examination is inconclusive, imaging may be helpful. DISCUSSION The main purpose of evaluating a patient with GM is to establish the diagnosis and differentiate true GM from pseudogynecomastia, exclude breast cancer, and detect the possible cause. GM is seen in mammography as a subareolar opacity and three mammographic patterns of GM are described: nodular, dendritic, and diffuse, corresponding to florid GM of early onset, fibrous persistent GM, and GM due to exogenous estrogen administration, respectively. In ultrasound (US), florid GM is depicted as a disk-shaped, hypoechoic area underlying the areola, whereas echogenicity of the lesions increases as fibrosis develops. Data on the use of MRI in the evaluation of the male breast and GM are still limited. Imaging findings can be classified according to the BIRADS (breast imaging reporting and data system) based on their malignant potential. CONCLUSION Both mammography and US are sensitive and specific to diagnose GM and distinguish it from breast cancer. When clinical findings are suggestive of malignancy or imaging findings are inconclusive, a histological confirmation should be sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Billa
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George A Kanakis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval and Veteran Affairs Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Sesti F, Pofi R, Pozza C, Minnetti M, Gianfrilli D, Kanakis GA. Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Klinefelter's Syndrome. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:5556-5563. [PMID: 33138758 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201102105408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
More than 70 years have passed since the first description of Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), the most frequent chromosome disorder causing male infertility and hypogonadism. KS is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) mortality due to several comorbidities, including hypogonadism, as well as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, which are highly prevalent in these patients. Aside from metabolic disturbances, patients with KS suffer from both acquired and congenital CV abnormalities, cerebrovascular thromboembolic disease, subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction, which may all contribute to increased CV mortality. The mechanisms involved in this increased risk of CV morbidity and mortality are not entirely understood. More research is needed to better characterise the CV manifestations, elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and define the contribution of testosterone replacement to restoring CV health in KS patients. This review explores the complex association between KS, metabolic syndrome and CV risk in order to plan future studies and improve strategies to reduce mortality in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval & VA Hospital, 11525, Athens, Greece
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Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Duntas L, Kanakis GA, Kandaraki E, Karavitaki N, Kassi E, Livadas S, Mastorakos G, Migdalis I, Miras AD, Nader S, Papalou O, Poladian R, Popovic V, Rachoń D, Tigas S, Tsigos C, Tsilchorozidou T, Tzotzas T, Bargiota A, Pfeifer M. DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Drug-induced endocrinopathies and diabetes: a combo-endocrinology overview. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 181:R73-R105. [PMID: 31242462 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the currently overwhelming era of polypharmacy, the balance of the dynamic and delicate endocrine system can easily be disturbed by interfering pharmaceutical agents like medications. Drugs can cause endocrine abnormalities via different mechanisms, including direct alteration of hormone production, changes in the regulation of the feedback axis, on hormonal transport, binding and signaling, as well as similar changes to counter-regulatory hormone systems. Furthermore, drugs can interfere with the hormonal assays, leading to erroneous laboratory results that disorientate clinicians from the right diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to cover a contemporary topic, the drug-induced endocrinopathies, which was presented in the monothematic annual Combo Endo Course 2018. This challenging part of endocrinology is constantly expanding particularly during the last decade, with the new oncological therapeutic agents, targeting novel molecular pathways in the process of malignancies. In this new context of drug-induced endocrine disease, clinicians should be aware that drugs can cause endocrine abnormalities via different mechanisms and mimic a variety of clinical scenarios. Therefore, it is extremely important for clinicians not only to promptly recognize drug-induced hormonal and metabolic abnormalities, but also to address the therapeutic issues for timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Duntas
- Endocrine Clinic Evgenidion Hospital, University of Athens
| | - G A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval & VA Hospital, Athens, Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kandaraki
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hygeia Hospital
| | - N Karavitaki
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - E Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital Medical School, NKUA
| | - S Livadas
- Endocrine Unit, Metropolitan Hospital
| | - G Mastorakos
- Endocrine Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aretaieion' University Hospital
| | - I Migdalis
- Second Medical Department and Diabetes Centre, NIMTS Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A D Miras
- Division of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Nader
- Department of Internal Medicine-Endocrine Division, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - O Papalou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hygeia Hospital
| | - R Poladian
- Department of Endocrinology, MLH University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - V Popovic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Rachoń
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - S Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - C Tsigos
- Harokopio University of Athens and HYGEIA Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - T Tzotzas
- St. Luke's Hospital, Panorama, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Bargiota
- Department of Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - M Pfeifer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Measurement of serum testosterone (T) level is of utmost importance for the evaluation of hypogonadism in men and androgen excess in women. Despite the advances in steroid hormone assessment, substantial variability exists regarding measurement of T concentrations. Several factors affect T measurement in men, including circadian rhythms, intra-individual daily variability and transient stressors, while T concentrations in women vary mainly according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. Most of the available immunoassays lack the required accuracy when dealing with T concentrations at the lower end of the normal range for men and across the entire range for females. Consequently, there is no universally accepted lower T threshold for healthy adult men and most immunoassays fail to detect states of mild androgen excess in women. Mass spectrometry is considered the gold-standard method for T measurement; however, due to its complexity and cost, it has not been widely adopted. To increase accuracy, T in men should be measured with a fasting morning sample and repeated if the level is found to be low; in women, measurement must be performed at the follicular phase of the cycle. In both cases, borderline results may be clarified by the assessment of free testosterone (fT). Since most fT assays are unreliable, calculated surrogates should be used instead. Collaborative efforts have been undertaken, with rigorous internal and external quality controls and the establishment of reference methods, to harmonise the commercial assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval and Veteran Affairs Hospital, Greece.
| | - Christos P Tsametis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most frequent chromosome disorder in males (1:650 newborn males), defined by 47,XXY karyotype. The classical phenotype is that of a tall male with relatively long legs, small, firm testes and gynecomastia. Azoospermia and infertility are almost inevitably present, but may be overcome by TESE and ICSI. Nevertheless, a broad spectrum of phenotypes has been described and more than 70% of the actually existing KS men may remain undiagnosed throughout their lifespan. Accordingly, hypogonadism is usually not evident until early adulthood and progresses with ageing. KS patients present a series of comorbidities that increase morbidity and mortality by 40%. Such disturbances are the impaired metabolic profile (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance) and a tendency to thrombosis, which all favor cardiovascular disease. They also present susceptibility for specific neoplasias (breast cancer, extragonadal germ cell tumors), autoimmune diseases as well as osteoporosis and bone fractures. Moreover, KS has been associated with verbal processing and attention deficits as well as social skill impairments, leading KS individuals to academic and professional achievements inferior to those of their peers of comparable socio-economic status. Nevertheless, the majority fall within the average range regarding their intellectual abilities and adaptive functioning. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the mainstay of treatment in hypogonadal KS patients; however, randomized trials are needed to determine optimal therapeutic regimens and follow-up schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval & VA Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eberhard Nieschlag
- University Hospital of Muenster, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Domagkstraße 11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
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Kanakis GA, Chrisoulidou A, Bargiota A, Efstathiadou ZA, Papanastasiou L, Theodoropoulou A, Tigas SK, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S, Alevizaki M. The ongoing challenge of discrepant growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I results in the evaluation of treated acromegalic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 85:681-688. [PMID: 27292418 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are the principal biomarkers used to assess disease activity in acromegaly, and any discrepancy between them renders interpretation of results inconclusive. Purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of this discrepancy and identify parameters that might affect its occurrence. DESIGN A systematic review of MEDLINE and Scopus was performed (1987-2013) followed by a meta-analysis to address the frequency of discrepant results between GH and IGF-I levels. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed assessing the effects of the year of publication, the different types of GH testing and GH assays used, as well as the impact of treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) on the occurrence of this discrepancy. RESULTS The analysis retrieved 39 eligible studies totalling 7071 patients. The pooled discordance rate between GH and IGF-I was 25·7% (95% CI: 22·3-29·4), and the predominant format was that of elevated IGF-I with normal GH levels (15·3%, 95% CI: 12·5-18·7). No significant correlation between the discordance rate and the year of publication was shown; whereas, the use of ultrasensitive GH assays resulted in higher discordance rates (30·7%, 95% CI: 25·9-35·9 vs 19·8%, 95% CI: 14·1-27·2, P = 0·04) as did treatment with SSAs (32·5%, 95% CI: 27·8-37·4) vs (21·6%, 95% CI: 17·8-25·6, P = 0·001). CONCLUSIONS Discrepancy between GH and IGF-I results is encountered in a quarter of treated patients with acromegaly, especially when using ultrasensitive GH assays or in patients receiving SSAs, a fact that the clinician should take into consideration when making clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval & VA Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - A Chrisoulidou
- Department of Endocrinology, Theagenio Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Bargiota
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Z A Efstathiadou
- Department of Endocrinology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - L Papanastasiou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Athens General Hospital 'G. Gennimatas', Athens, Greece
| | - A Theodoropoulou
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - S K Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - D A Vassiliadi
- Endocrine Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine - Propaedeutic, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M Alevizaki
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medical Therapeutics, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Despite the variety of available female contraceptive methods, many pregnancies (~50%) are still undesired. Many men (>60%) want to participate equally with their partner in family planning; however, male contraceptive methods (MCMs) account for only 14% of those used worldwide and no pharmaceutical MCM is available so far. The only two MCMs currently available are condoms, which despite protecting against sexually transmitted diseases have high failure rates (~19%), and vasectomy, which though very efficient (99%) is poorly reversible (<50%). Among MCMs under investigation, male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) are those that have come closest to commercialization. The action of MHCs relies on the disruption of spermatogenesis that exogenous androgen administration evokes by suppressing the hypophyseal-gonadal axis. Various regimens of androgens as monotherapy or in combination with progestins have been tested in clinical trials achieving a Pearl Index <1.0 (equal to that of the female oral contraceptive pill); however, concerns regarding the variable response rates observed (non-responders: 5-20%), the impracticality of parenteral administration and long-term prostate-associated or cardiovascular morbidity have deflected the interest of the pharmaceutical industry from further research. Non-hormonal contraception methods may be, at least theoretically, more specific by selectively disrupting spermatogenesis and sperm transport or fertilizing ability. Nevertheless, only a few have been tested in clinical trials (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance, RISUG, and Intra Vas Plugs); most of them are still in pre-clinical development or have been abandoned due to toxicity (gossypol). Consequently, until a reliable, safe and practical MCM is developed, women will continue to bear most of the contraception burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval & VA Hospital, Athens, Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki; Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki; Greece
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