Hormonal Contraceptives for men

Abstract: Background: Contraceptives for men has existed for centuries. However, the only contraceptives available for men are condoms, withdrawal during sexual intercourse or undergoing Vas occlusion. The issues currently with these methods are that many couples are not comfortable with using condoms and vasectomy is a non-reversible contraceptive as it requires surgery. Currently, only research has been made with regards to hormonal contraceptives for men. The basis for hormonal contraceptives for men is that it disturbs hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis, by suppressing GnRH, LH and FSH in order to suppress spermatogenesis. The substances that have been clinically tested as a potential hormonal contraceptive for men are androgens, androgens together progestins and synthetic androgens. Aim: The aim of this thesis was to examine the effectiveness of the substances that have been used in past and recent clinical trials and the adverse drug reactions/effects. Method: Results from the clinical trials were collected through PubMed with regards to preordained criteria, which resulted in 18 scientific articles being used in the results. Results: Overall, the results showed that the majority of substances used in previous and recent clinical trials are effective in suppressing spermatogenesis. The results also showed that a majority of substances used in previous and recent clinical trials had severe adverse drug effects severe amongst the participants. Discussion and Conclusion:  In summary, the research shows that amongst the substances used in recent and current clinical trials, that synthetic androgens have the best potential as a hormonal contraceptive for men with regards to effectiveness and adverse drug effects.