Testosterone and Its Analogs as a Male Contraceptive

Abstract

Male contraception by means of hormonal approach was initiated more than 60 years ago when men became azoospermic with administration of testosterone. The basic principle of male hormonal contraception is suppression of spermatogenesis. Exogenous testosterone/testosterone analogs alone or in combination with progestin have been tested for contraceptive efficacy by inhibiting gonadotropins release from pituitary gland. In this review article, advancement in different testosterone preparation tested alone or in combination for contraceptive efficacy has been focused. Administration of testosterone or testosterone analogs alone failed to provide uniform azoospermia or severe oligospermia (<1 million/ml sperm count) at lower doses regimens whereas higher doses causes side effects. Newer, androgen-progestin combination has proved better contraceptive efficacy than testosterone alone. Further, long term studies with hormonal regimens and other alternative approaches are required with fewer side effects for development of safe and reversible contraceptive.