Male hormonal contraception
Professor Richard Anderson has reported on a double-blind placebo-controlled study indicating that a hormonal contraceptive for men that induces spermatogenic suppression can provide effective contraception and is fully reversible. This can be done with high doses of testerone alone or in lower doses it can be combined with progestogen. This was the medication in this study.
Some 354 men took part which is encouraging as previous studies have been done with small numbers.
Professor Anderson reports that the men received an implant of etonogestrel (similar to Implanon) either in low dose or high dose combined with one of three testosterone regimens using the long-acting, injectable formulation testerone undecanoate or placebo. As in other studies, this research also identified a small number of men who are resistant to hormonal suppression. Thus if this type of male contraception were to become widespread, a test of efficacy such as the tests done following vasectomy would have to be carried out.
However, more interestingly Prof Anderson tells us that both Organon and Schering have announced they do not intend to pursue this line of research. We can be happy that the WHO and other such organisations are continuing to be active in this field.
Anderson, R (2008) FRSH J Fam Plann Reprod health care, 34(3)