The combined use of oral medroxyprogesterone acetate and methyltestosterone in a male contraceptive trial programme
Bain, J.; Rachlis, V.; Robert, E.; Khait, Z.
Contraception 21(4): 365-379
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 6771093 Document Number: 446291
A male contraceptive trial was undertaken in 23 men using a combination of oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and oral methyltestosterone (MeT). The men were divided into 4 groups according to varying drug dosages and were followed for 15 mo. (control, 3 mo., treatment 6 mo., follow-up, 6 mo.). The parameters assessed included sperm count and motility, serum gonadotropins and sex steroids and several biochemical and hematological tests. A questionnaire dealing with side effects and changes in sexual function was administered intermittently. Although sperm count was suppressed (most dramatically at the highest drug doses, MPA 20mg, MeT 20mg), it was not suppressed to infertile levels. Sperm motility was unaltered; lutropin was modestly suppressed, FSH follitropin was not suppressed; testosterone was suppressed even at low doses; dihydrotestosterone responses were inconsistent. No significant biochemical abnormalities or side-effects occurred although some men experienced mild transient acne, gynecomastia and decreased testicular size. In the doses used in this trial, the combination of MPA and MeT apparently is not effective for male contraceptive purposes; higher doses may induce severe and undesirable side effects.