Continuing The Search For A Hormonal Male Contraceptive

Publication date: Available online 19 February 2020Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Fiona Yuen, Brian T. Nguyen, Ronald S. Swerdloff, Christina WangAbstractThis 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 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 meeting the various needs and limitations of an increasingly diverse population.

Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - February 19, 2020 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research