Update on the development of male hormonal contraceptives

Efficacy trials have shown that male hormonal contraceptives can be effective, safe and reversible. A combination of a long-acting injectable testosterone plus a progestin is most likely to be the first commercially available male hormonal contraceptive. Some potential daily oral or transdermal testosterone plus progestin formulations are also being investigated. In addition, researchers have discovered promising novel drugs such as selective androgen receptor modulators and oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists that may prove useful in male hormonal contraceptive regimens. This review briefly summarizes some of the more recent findings in the development of male hormonal contraceptives.