Two experimental male birth control pills effectively lower testosterone without causing unacceptable side effects, according to a new study. The study will be presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.
The drugs DMAU and 11b-MNTDC are part of a class of drugs called progestogenic androgens. These drugs suppress testosterone, which reduces sperm count. Lowering testosterone levels usually result in unpleasant side effects, but most of the men in the study were willing to continue using the drugs, suggesting that the side effects were acceptable.
Tamar Jacobson, lead researcher in the Contraceptive Development Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, said, “Male contraceptive options are currently limited to vasectomy and condoms, and thus are extremely limited compared to female options. ” “Development of an effective, reversible male contraceptive method will improve reproductive options for men and women, have a major impact on public health by reducing unintended pregnancy, and allow men to take an increasingly active role in family planning.” “
The study involved 96 healthy male participants in two phase 1 clinical trials. In each trial, men were randomly assigned to receive either two or four oral tablets of the active drug or a placebo daily for 28 days. After seven days on the active drug, testosterone levels dropped below the normal range. In men taking the placebo, testosterone levels remained within the normal range.
The study found that 75 percent of men taking the active drug said they would be willing to use it in the future, compared to 46.4 percent of those taking a placebo. Men who took the four-pill daily dose (400 milligrams) had lower testosterone levels than those who took the two-pill, 200-mg dose. There was no significant difference between the two active treatment groups in satisfaction with the drug, or willingness to use it or recommend it to others in the future.
Jacobson said, “The positive experiences of men in clinical trials and the high ratings of acceptability for this male pill have the potential to get the public excited about male birth control becoming more widely available in the coming decades.” Must work.”
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