Assessment of Tamsulosin as a Potential Male Contraceptive in Healthy Volunteers

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) N.J.), 2012-09, Vol.80 (3), p.614-617
• Main Authors: Wang, Jin, Zhao, Yong, Jiang, Shao-bo, Xia, Qing-hua, Wei, Chun-xiao, Wang, Mu-wen, Sun, Peng, Jin, Xun-bo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Contraceptive Agents, Male; Cross-Over Studies; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Single-Blind Method; Sulfonamides; Urology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.06.003

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin, an α1A -adrenoceptor antagonist, as a potential male contraceptive. Methods Forty healthy male volunteers were equally divided into 2 groups, each of which received placebo and tamsulosin sequentially in a crossover manner. Ejaculatory profile was examined 4 to 6 hours after administration and adverse effects were noted. Results Anejaculation occurred in all subjects after taking 0.8-mg of tamsulosin. Total functional sperm count was significantly reduced in subjects after taking 0.4-mg of tamsulosin. Six subjects receiving 0.8-mg of tamsulosin complained of tolerated discomfort, which disappeared 10 hours after administration. Conclusion When administered at 0.8 mg, tamsulosin can cause anejaculation with some transient side effects. Our results imply that tamsulosin and related drugs might potentially be used as male contraceptive agents in the future, which needs more studies to verify.