Advances in Male Contraception: When Will the Novel Male Contraception be Available?

Abstract

Many contraceptive methods have been developed over the years due to high demand. However, female contraceptive pills and devices do not work for all females due to health conditions and side effects. Also, the number of males who want to actively participate in family planning is gradually increasing. However, the only contraceptive options currently available to males are condoms and vasectomy. Therefore, many male contraceptive methods, including medication (hormonal and non-hormonal therapy) and mechanical methods, are under development. Reversibility, safety, persistence, degree of invasion, promptness, and the suppression of anti-sperm antibody formation are essential factors in the development of male contraceptive methods. In this paper, male contraceptive methods under development are reviewed according to those essential factors. Furthermore, the timeline for the availability of a new male contraception is discussed.

Keywords: Azoospermia; Contraception; Contraceptive agents; Drug development; Spermatogenesis; Sterilization.