Update on Male Hormonal Contraception: Is the Vasectomy in Jeopardy?

Abstract

Traditionally, male contraception has consisted of either barrier methods, such as condoms, or vasectomy. However, in recent years, we have made great strides in the basic science and clinical medicine to better understand the feedback mechanisms and physiology of the male reproductive system. These advances have enabled the development of several nonsurgical, hormonal, reversible, well-tolerated alternatives for male contraception. Men are more likely now than ever to participate in the choice of contraceptive techniques. This review will discuss the current status and recent developments in nonsurgical hormonal male contraception, a field that has been historically limited by social, financial and physiological challenges.

Attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill: psychosocial and cultural explanations for delaying a marketable product

“…According to Manetti and Honig [6] this is due to concerns around long-term effects and male health implications. However surely that would be very unfair considering that the female pill was introduced to the market less than ten years after its development, with refinement taking place alongside its use in practice during which side-effects and health problems became apparent.…”

“…Nonetheless, 50% of the 1,000,000 conceptions occurring daily have been reported to still be unplanned [5]. At times of governmental pleas for declining birth-rates around the globe, and observed changes in the traditional gender roles in family life, the development and introduction of a male contraception pill, which interestingly according to Manetti and Honig [6] predated the female pill through research on the effects of testosterone on the suppression of spermatogenesis in 1939, "…..is surely long overdue"; especially since "men enjoy the pleasures of sex, but can do little to contribute to the task of family planning" [5].…”

“…Consequently, pharmaceutical research has continued to improve the substances necessary for this ideal male "pill". In a recent review, Manetti and Honig [6] presented the outcomes of these studies and listed the pros and cons of 16 male hormonal contraceptive options in four different clusters (testosterone,…”

La contraception pour les hommes, une cause perdue?

“…Nous rappellerons à ce sujet les résultats -modestes, mais non négligeables -des équipes françaises intéressées. Dans ce cadre clinique, les résultats nous paraissent positifs et devraient logiquement se traduire par une commercialisation de telles méthodes [3,4]. L'un des objectifs de ce livre est de fournir des arguments favorisant la diffusion de ces « méthodes nouvelles ».…”

Fertilization and the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans

“…Understanding the genetics and molecular basis of fertilization and the oocyte-to-embryo transition has important clinical implications, as approximately 15% of couples are infertile and genetic causes may play a prominent factor in these cases (2,3). Additionally, there is a need for novel contraceptive technologies, and understanding the genetics and molecular basis of fertilization will aid in the development of contraceptives (4). Finally, there is concern that the increased reliance on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat clinical cases of infertility may result in future health issues for children conceived using these technologies (5,6).…”