Male contraception: what is on the horizon?
Male contraception remains an important area of research. Methods can inhibit sperm production or can be targeted to inhibit sperm functions such as motility, orientation or interaction with the egg. Hormonal methods appear to be safe and effective in proof of concept studies but efforts are underway to improve delivery options or lead time until full efficacy is achieved. Nonhormonal methods are based on numerous targets that impact sperm production or function. Several agents that inhibit the sperm-specific or testis-specific targets have been identified and studies in animals have shown promising results.
Blithe
Diana
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Contraception and Reproductive Health Branch, Center for Population Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. blithed@mail.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005544:Forecasting; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013092:Spermatogenesis-Blocking Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D013092:Spermatogenesis-Blocking Agents; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone