The Effects of Low Doses of Cyproterone Acetate on Some Functions of the Reproductive System in Normal Men

Abstract

One daily dose of either 5 mg or 10 mg cyproterone acetate (CA) was administered to 2 groups of 4 fertile men for 6 months. The medication was preceded by a 3 months placebo period and followed by a recovery phase of 5 to 8 months. During CA-treatment the sperm count/ml decreased and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa increased slightly (0.001 < P < 0.05). Sperm penetration assessed by the Kremer test did not show any decrease during treatment. Serum levels of testosterone and FSH decreased, but those of LH remained unchanged during treatment. Two pregnancies occurred after 1¾ and 5½ months of CA-treatment. The serum-CA concentration in these 2 volonteers did not differ from that of the remainder. Three subjects who began the study were withdrawn because of depressive mood changes (2) and weakness combined with dizziness (1). Data from these subjects were not included. The results indicate that daily doses of 5 mg and 10 mg of cyproterone acetate are not effective as a male contraceptive.

Effects of Low Doses of Cyproterone Acetate on Sperm Morphology and some other Parameters of Reproduction in Normal Men

“…and Luttge -1969;Back et al -1977). This may be due to the fact that azoospermia must develop before sterility can be granted and a selective effect on the epididymis is not sufficient if at all possible in man.The effects on spermatogenesis here reported are consistent with those previously reported (Fogh et al -1979; Koch et al -1976;Moltz et al -1980;Roy et al -1976). Thus, sperm counts are not depressed to levels granting sterility by 10 mg of CPA per day and recovery seems not to be discernable until some weeks without the drug have passed.andrologia l3(1981)…”

Electron microscopical analysis of meiotic chromosomes from human spermatocytes during and after treatment with steroid hormones

“…The testicular biopsy was obtained from a 27 years old volunteer participating in an investigation of the effect of different steroid hormones on spermatogenesis (5,6).…”

Andrology of male‐to‐female transsexuals: influence of cross‐sex hormone therapy on testicular function

“…Based on male contraceptive studies, however, GnRH analogues can suppress spermatogenesis only mildly, if used alone (Nieschlag et al ., ). In contrast, it has been demonstrated that CPA can be considered a potent progestin and suppresses spermatogenesis effectively also in humans (Fogh et al ., ; Moltz et al ., ; Wang & Yeung, ; Meriggiola et al ., ). Peripheral total and free testosterone and 5‐α‐dihydrotestosterone may reach very low levels leading to the desired effects on sexuality and androgen‐dependent body functions (Turner et al ., ) (Fig.…”