Pregnancies associated with sperm concentrations below 10 million/ml in clinical studies of a potential male contraceptive method, monthly depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and testosterone esters

Abstract

A potential male contraceptive approach was evaluated in clinical trials involving monthly injections of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and either subdermal implants of testosterone propionate or monthly injections of testosterone enanthate. Pregnancies occurred in partners of 9 men with recent sperm counts of 10 million/ml or below. In 5 of the 9 instances, the sperm counts were less than 1 million/ml. It appears that male contraceptive methods involving spermatogenic suppression may require attainment and maintenance of azoospermia. The pregnancy rate cannot be calculated, because the extent of other contraceptive use is uncertain. There were no spontaneous abortions. 6 pregnancies were carried to term, and all progeny were normal, based on physical examination at birth or 3 months after birth.

PIP: A potential male contraceptive approach was evaluated in clinical trials involving monthly injections of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and either subdermal implants of testosterone propionate or monthly injections of testosterone enanthate. Pregnancies occurred in partners of 9 men with recent sperm counts of 10 million/ml or below. In 5 of the 9 instances, the sperm counts were less than 2 million/ml. It appears that male contraceptive methods involving spermatogenic suppression may require attainment and maintenance of azoospermia. The pregnancy rate cannot be calculated because the extent of other contraceptive use is uncertain. There were no spontaneous abortions. 6 pregnancies were carried to term, and all progeny were normal, based on physical examination at birth or 3 months after.