Male Contraception

The provision of safe, effective contraception has been revolutionized in the past 40 yr following the development of synthetic steroids and the demonstration that administration of combinations of sex steroids can be used to suppress ovulation and, subsequently, other reproductive functions. This r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Endocrine reviews 2002-12, Vol.23 (6), p.735-762
Main Authors: Anderson, R. A, Baird, D. T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Birth control
Condoms
Contraception
Contraception - methods
Contraception Behavior
Contraceptive Agents, Male
Contraceptives
Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
Family planning
Female
Fertility
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Hormonal contraception
Hormone replacement therapy
Humans
Life span
Male
Medical sciences
Ovulation
Reproductive system
Sexually transmitted diseases
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis - physiology
STD
Steroid hormones
Steroids
Vasectomy
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Summary:The provision of safe, effective contraception has been revolutionized in the past 40 yr following the development of synthetic steroids and the demonstration that administration of combinations of sex steroids can be used to suppress ovulation and, subsequently, other reproductive functions. This review addresses the current standing of male contraception, long the poor relation in family planning but currently enjoying a resurgence in both scientific and political interest as it is recognized that men have a larger role to play in the regulation of fertility, whether seen in geopolitical or individual terms. Condoms and vasectomy continue to be popular at particular phases of the reproductive lifespan and in certain cultures. Although not perfect contraceptives, condoms have the additional advantage of offering protection from sexually transmitted infection. The hormonal approach may have acquired the critical mass needed to make the transition from academic research to pharmaceutical development. Greatly increased understanding of male reproductive function, partly stimulated by interest in ageing and the potential benefits of androgen replacement, is opening up other avenues for investigation taking advantage of nonhormonal regulatory pathways specific to spermatogenesis and the reproductive tract.
ISSN:0163-769X
1945-7189
DOI:10.1210/er.2002-0002