NurseWeek

Male contraception: the promise of a pill

By Tim Bergling
Health24News
September 6, 2000


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Washington (H24N). Results from a recent study could open the door for the first effective male contraceptive regimen.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology say their test of a male contraceptive drug has successfully stemmed daily sperm production, while maintaining a normal level of testosterone. The project’s success raises hope that men may one day soon have access to the same kind of birth control now available to women.

Scientists studied 66 test subjects over a 24-week period, giving them either 150 or 300 micrograms of desogestrel orally, a synthetic compound that largely makes up the female birth control pill; results showed that desogestrel halted sperm production the same way it prevents women from ovulating. Each man also received implants to provide him with testosterone. After 16 weeks had elapsed the subjects in the 300-microgram group were no longer producing any measurable levels of sperm.

Additionally, researchers studied 11 men who volunteered for 24 more weeks. These subjects continued the oral and implant regimen, and shied away from any other form of contraception. Researchers say the subjects’ sperm levels remained at zero, and none of their partners reported any pregnancies.

The treatment appears to have few side effects, which include some mood swings, increased appetite and some weight gain. Researchers say those are the same side effects women experience from their birth-control regimen. After the subjects discontinued taking desogestrel, sperm production in all the subjects was back at pre-study levels within 16 weeks. Researchers say more studies are needed to determine the optimal dose. A male contraceptive pill or implant could be on the market by 2005.