title: Male Hormonal Contraception: Where Are We Now?
abstract: Hormonal male contraception clinical trials began in the 1970s. The method is based on the use of exogenous testosterone alone or in combination with a progestin to suppress the endogenous production of testosterone and spermatogenesis. Studies using testosterone alone showed that the method was very effective with few adverse effects. Addition of a progestin increases the rate and extent of suppression of spermatogenesis. Common adverse effects include acne, injection site pain, mood change including depression, and changes in libido that are usually mild and rarely lead to discontinuation. Current development includes long-acting injectables and transdermal gels and novel androgens that may have both androgenic and progestational activities. Surveys showed that over 50 % of men will accept a new male method and female partners will trust their partner to take oral "male pills." Partnership between government, nongovernment agencies, academia, and industry may generate adequate interest and collaboration to develop and market the first male hormonal contraception.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90509 USA ; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90509 USA.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Mario P R
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Festin
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90509 USA.
authors.forename: Ronald S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Swerdloff
keywords: Androgens; Contraceptive efficacy; Male contraception; Progestins; Spermatogenesis suppression