Male contraception

Abstract

From a public health perspective, the need for contraception has never been greater. Although the existing male-specific methods (withdrawal, condoms, and vasectomy) are safe and effective, increasing male options for fertility control could improve family planning. For new male contraceptive methods to have an impact, they must be acceptable to both men and women, as well as effective. A male hormonal method will likely come to market within the next 5 years. Other strategies such as contraceptive vaccines, and inhibitors of spermatogenesis and sperm motility, provide a potential for nonhormonal male contraceptives.