New Methods of Contraception for Men
|
|
|
Most of the new methods aim to either prevent sperm production, interfere with sperm function, or to interrupt sperm transport. Some of the new methods being developed are reversible vasectomies, oral contraceptives for men, and implants and injectables for men. Although there is promise in these new areas of discovery, many men are worried about side effects that might come along with the treatment (i.e. mood swings, aggressiveness, loss of libido, acne, weight gain, lowered HDL cholesterol levels, impotence, and long term infertility).
1. Oral contraceptives for men A combination of synthetic hormones and testosterone injections appears to work effectively to reduce sperm counts to levels unlikely to cause pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of these methods is still being tested.
2. Injections and implants Injections involving testosterone enanthate (a synthetic hormone); a combination of this hormone and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (the hormone found in Depo Provera in women); and an injection involving testosterone buciclate are all under investigation. The injections range from once a week, to once a month, to once every three months. Implants that are battery powered capsules are being investigated for their ability to immobilize sperm by emitting low level electrical currents. The implants would be placed into each vas deferens. Subdermal implants are currently under investigation. The implants are two rods that contain gonadotropin releasing hormone and an androgen (ten times stronger than testosterone), meant to prevent the release of FSH and LH and to suppress the development of sperm.
3. Vasectomies Chemical compounds are being tested for their ability to cause scarring in the vas deferens preventing sperm from entering the semen. Silicone cylinders are being tested for their ability to physically block sperm from travelling through the vas deferens.
The biggest difficulty with contraception for men is finding a reversible method that will reduce fertility for the time desired but will return sperm to their normal function once conception is required.
Although a lot of progress has been made in terms of male contraception, it appears as though researchers still have a long way to go before finding something that is both effective and desirable.
Erin Kerby Kwantlen University College Collaborative Nursing Student December 9, 2002
Columbia University's Health Questions and Answers Internet Service. Birth
control pills for men. Retrieved November 25, 2002 from the World Wide
Web site: http://www.goaskalice.com
Kamischke, A., Diebacker, J., & Nieschlag, E., (2000). Potential of
norethisterone enanthate for male contraception: Pharmacokinetics and
suppression of pituitary and gonadal function. Clinical Endocrinology,
53, p. 351-358.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America. (2002).Future birth control
methods for men. Retrieved November 25, 2002 from the World Wide Web
site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ARTICLES/bcfuture_m.html
Wright, K. (2002). Male contraception. Discover Magazine, 23 (110), p.
26.
|