Yuen F, Nguyen BT, Swerdloff RS, Wang C. Continuing the search for a hormonal male contraceptive.
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020;
66:83-94. [PMID:
32197832 PMCID:
PMC7375909 DOI:
10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.02.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This chapter discusses the mechanisms of action of hormonal male contraception, which suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis. When the intratesticular concentration of testosterone is subsequently suppressed to adequately low concentrations, spermatogenesis is arrested. Androgens are a necessary hormonal male contraceptive component because they not only suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis, but also provide the male hormone necessary to maintain peripheral androgen functions. Past studies using testosterone alone and testosterone combined with progestins demonstrated contraceptive efficacy in the female partner at rates similar to combined hormonal female methods. Newer hormonal male contraceptive formulations and the alternative routes of administration are discussed, along with potential barriers, challenges, and opportunities for hormonal male contraceptive development. Novel methods that are safe, effective, reversible, user-friendly, and coitus-independent are intrinsic to equitably meet the various needs and limitations of an increasingly diverse population.
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