Studies with cyproterone acetate for male contraception
Abstract
2 studies of the effects of low-dose cyproterone acetate (CA), 1 double-blind (placebo) and 1 using the same subject as case and control, are presented. Daily administration of 10 and 5 mg of CA to 2 groups of normal volunteers over 28 weeks caused a gradual decrease in the count and motility of the sperm, with a concomitant increase in the percentage of nonmotile as well as abnormal and immature sperm. Preovulatory cervical mucus penetration by the ejaculate sperm was markedly inhibited. Levels of acid phosphatase, sialic acid, and glycerylphosphorylcholine in semen decreased progressively, whereas the levels of fructose did not show any significant change. Plasma testosterone levels were decreased in both groups; however, libido and potency were not altered. Liver and kidney functions were also unaffected. After drug therapy was stopped, the changes noted in various parameters gradually reversed toward normal values, although some of the parameters did not reach control levels by the 12-18th weeks posttherapy cessation. In the 2nd study of 3 volunteers who received 10 mg of CA daily for 12-16 weeks, results included a marked decrease in the count, motility, and cervical-mucus-penetrating ability of the sperm. In addition, biochemical constituents of semen were also altered; however, subsequent concurrent administration of 75 mg of mesterolone daily for 6-13 weeks counteracted the CA-induced changes significantly. Use of CA as a male contraceptive is discussed in terms of…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Evolution of testosterone treatment over 25 years: symptom responses, endocrine profiles and cardiovascular changes
- Vertebrate hormones influence on the reproduction of Biomphalaria glabrata and on Schistosoma mansoni infection (author's transl)
- Azoospermia associated with a mutation in the ligand-binding domain of an androgen receptor displaying normal ligand binding, but defective trans-activation
- Successful treatment of methimazole-induced severe aplastic anaemia in a diabetic patient with other co-morbidities
- The management of male subfertility by in vitro fertilisation techniques
- Rapid determination of anti-estrogens by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in urine: Method validation and application to real samples
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.