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Male Contraception: Hormonal Methods

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Female and Male Contraception

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

There is an unmet need for male contraception. A greater array of male contraceptive of convenient, reversible methods are needed to meet this need. Development of novel, male-based methods has made slow progress, but efficacy trials have proven that male hormonal contraceptive methods are effective, reversible, and acceptable to men and their female partners. The adverse effects of experimental male hormonal contraceptive regimens include increased weight, suppression of serum high-density cholesterol, and possible mood disturbances. Androgen-progestin or single agents with androgenic and progestogenic properties show the most promise. In multiple efficacy trials, male hormonal contraceptive regimens have demonstrated efficacy that is significantly superior to condoms and comparable to many female hormonal methods. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to assess real-world effectiveness and safety. Introduction of novel male hormonal contraceptives might decrease unintended pregnancies, increase reproductive justice, provide men with greater agency in their reproductive futures, and result in improved overall health for both men and women.

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Abbreviations

11-βMNT:

11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone17β

11-βMNTDC:

11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone17β-dodecylcarbonate

DHT:

Dihydrotestosterone

DMPA:

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate

FSH:

follicle-stimulating hormone

GnRH:

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

IM:

intramuscular

LH:

luteinizing hormone

MENT:

7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone

MHC:

male hormonal contraception

T:

testosterone

TE:

testosterone enanthate

TU:

testosterone undecanoate

WHO:

World Health Organization

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Carmen Abbe & Stephanie T. Page

  2. Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Bradley D. Anawalt

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  1. Carmen Abbe
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  2. Bradley D. Anawalt
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  3. Stephanie T. Page
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Correspondence to Stephanie T. Page .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Clinic of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Maria Cristina Meriggiola

  2. Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson

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Abbe, C., Anawalt, B.D., Page, S.T. (2021). Male Contraception: Hormonal Methods. In: Meriggiola, M.C., Gemzell-Danielsson, K. (eds) Female and Male Contraception. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70932-7_25

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