Some Comments on the Use of Antiandrogens for Male Contraception

Abstract

“Pure” antiandrogens of the cyproterone or flutamide type have no or only a transient effect on testes function and spermatogenesis. They are not useful for male contraception. Only antiandrogens with antigonadotrophic (progestational) activity or combinations of “pure” antiandrogens with a central inhibitory steroid inhibit spermatogenesis and fertility. The inhibitory effect of cyproterone acetate on spermatogenesis is a direct one as has been shown in animal experiments (rats). Most susceptible to cyproterone acetate are the accessory sexual glands, followed by the epididymis, the Sertoli cell and testes function. Concerning the use of cyproterone acetate as a male contraceptive it seems to be very difficult to find a dose sufficient to inhibit fertility without influencing libido.

Flutamide as an Androgen Antagonist on Epididymal Function in the Rat*

“…Orchidectomy and replacement therapy will restrict the androgen supply to the epididymis which now receives the hormones exclusively from the peripheral circulation; this restricted supply is presumably much lower than the physiological requirements of the organ. It is apparently for this reason that even with antigonadotrophic antiandrogens, the weight and secretory activities of the VP and SV are reduced with small doses while much higher doses are needed to affect the epididymis (Schenck and Neumann -1978).…”

Effect of Chronic Use of Cyproterone Acetate on the Epididymis of Goat

“…Cyproterone acetate, having progestational effect (Schenck and Neumann -1978) Effect of chronic treatment of cyproterone acetate, a n antiandrogen with antigonado-…”