Trends in male contraception.
Methods that are available for male contraception, namely coitus interruptus, condoms, and vasectomy, have been used since the 19th century. With the exceptions of a few improvements of these methods, no major progress has been made with respect to introducing new male contraceptives since then. It is extremely urgent to develop new, safe, effective, and reversible male contraceptive methods. Among all male contraceptive methods that are being investigated, the hormonal approach is the closest to clinical application. Hormonal contraception provides pregnancy protection by means of spermatogenic suppression. Androgen-progestin regimens currently represent the best available hormonal combination for induction of a profound suppression of spermatogenesis. Further development of new steroids is mandatory for increasing the choices of available contraceptive formulations and to optimize long-term safety of these regimens.
Pasqualotto
Fábio Firmbach
FF
Urology Department, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lucon
Antônio Marmo
AM
Pasqualotto
Eleonora Bedin
EB
Arap
Sami
S
D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology
D000728:Androgens; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D013739:Testosterone