Advancing towards a male contraceptive: a novel approach from an unexpected direction

Abstract

The development of an effective, reversible and safe male contraceptive has been the focus of research around the world for more than 30 years. There are numerous challenges in the development of a male contraceptive. Unlike women, who produce one functional gamete per month, men produce ∼100 million sperm every day. Based on animal studies and clinical results from treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men, a contraceptive agent that would functionally suppress either the formation or maturation of spermatozoa with a 90% efficacy would probably have little or no effect on fertility. Several non-hormonal avenues for male contraception are being developed, and a recent study provides an exciting novel approach to male contraception by administration of a drug that modifies the biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids.