Reversible, non-barrier male contraception: status and prospects.
OBJECTIVE
Male, non-barrier, contraceptive options are limited to vasectomy and inadequate methods such as withdrawal and periodic abstinence. Herein we give an overview of current research on male contraception by pharmacological means.


METHODS
Literature search of PubMed documented publications and abstracts from meetings.


RESULTS
Cross-cultural surveys show men's willingness to carry contraceptive responsibility. Clinical trials substantiate that hormonal contraception involving suppression of gonadotropins holds the best promise to provide a male pharmacological contraceptive. Androgens have been demonstrated to induce reversible infertility particularly in combination with certain progestins and GnRH antagonists. Advances in non-endocrine contraception include intervention with triptolide derivatives, alkylated imino sugars, and immunization by eppin.


CONCLUSIONS
The prospect of a pharmacological, male contraceptive has been considerably advanced in recent years. Long-term studies involving a greater number of subjects may result in a safe, reversible and effective means. Asia is likely to be the first market for male, hormonal contraceptive methods. The clinical evaluation of non-endocrine approaches may ultimately lead to an alternative to hormone-based male contraception.
Hoesl
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CE
Department of Urology, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Technical University Munich, Romanstr. 93, 80639 Munich, Germany. cornelia_hoesl@yahoo.de
Saad
F
F
Pöppel
M
M
Altwein
J E
JE
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D042121:Contraception, Barrier; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D039781:PubMed; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D013739:Testosterone