title: [Male contraception and its perspectives].
abstract: Doctors specializing in male contraception are aware of the very real difficulties hindering the development of an effective method in this field.  Others believe that the reason this type of contraception is lagging behind is male chauvinism or a certain fear that men have of losing their virility along with their fertilizing capacity.  Since available methods of contraception (condom, vasectomy) have low levels of acceptability and reversibility, research has proceeded along other avenues.  1) Gossypol reduces the number and motility of spermatozoa but its general side effects are not exceptional.  2) Restraining hormonal action (progrestogens, LH-RH agonists) also reduce testicular function and for this reason, require simultaneous administration of androgens.  Thus far this has not been resolved; azoospermia is not obtained in every case and when it is, it does not necessarily last.  3) A method involving the epididymis, with a view to preventing spermatozoa from acquiring their normal motility and fertilizing capacity by affecting protein and enzyme synthesis, is also being studied.  Perhaps, as has been suggested by the Bicetre Hospital research team, we should be content with methods applicable to certain categories of men.  Male contraception would then develop step by step rather than by huge bounds as female contraception.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Belaisch
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception; D005193:Family Planning Services; D006728:Hormones; D013083:Sperm Transport
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones
keywords: Contraception; Contraception Research; Family Planning; Hormones; Male Contraception; Sperm Transport Inhibition