Current Efforts to Develop Male Hormonal Contraception

Abstract

Out of efforts to develop a male contraceptive 3 organizations have conducted major clinical studies. The Population Councils International Committee for Contraception Research tested 7 progestins in 25 dosage regimens using more than 200 male subjects; the National Institute of Child Health and Development did extensive tests of testosterone enanthate in over 160 men in the U.S. and Germany; and WHOs Task Force on Methods for the Regulation of Male Fertility is currently testing progestins and androgens in combination. All studies have been partially successful in suppressing sperm production and in some dosage regimens there were very few side effects. Overall however none of the efforts succeeded in 100% suppression of sperm production in all men and all had side effects some quite serious. In addition 6-8 weeks were required for maximum effectiveness of the drug and when treatment was discontinued 12-18 months were required for sperm counts to return to their pretreatment levels. Though research along these lines is going to be continued it must be concluded that an effective hormonal male contraceptive is still in the future.