Development of newer approaches to male contraception: prospects of availability for mass application in the near future

Abstract

Progress in development of a simple, effective reversible male contraceptive has been difficult due to the indispensable role of testosterone in spermatogenesis and maintenance of secondary sexual characters. Efforts are in progress to develop methods, which do not interfere with testosterone production. These include blockade of FSH action by immunization against FSH or FSHR, and interfere with sperm maturation by interfering with estrogen action or by immunization against epididymal or sperm specific proteins. An evaluation of these various approaches for practical application is also presented.