Table 1.
Androgen formulations available for possible incorporation into a male hormonal contraceptive regimen
| Generic name | Route and interval of administration | Published use in a contraceptive regimen (Ref.) | Potential concerns as part of a contraceptive regimen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone undecanoate | Oral, twice daily | Yes (228,229,241,381) | Twice daily dosing, short and variable duration |
| 17α-Methyltestosterone | Oral, daily | No | Liver toxicity |
| Testosterone enanthate | Intramuscular, 1–2 wk | Yes (141,142,143,238,239,240,242,243,250,251,382) | Injections can be painful, high peak levels |
| Testosterone decanoate | Intramuscular, 4–6 wk | Yes (246) | Injections can be painful, high peak levels |
| Testosterone undecanoate | Intramuscular, 8–12 wk | Yes (217,230,231,254,255,256,384) | Injections can be painful, nonphysiological pharmacokinetics |
| Testosterone implants | Subcutaneous, 4 months | Yes (216,218,245,247,385) | Surgical placement, occasional painful expulsions |
| Testosterone patch | Transdermal nonscrotal, daily | Yes (182,183,184) | Poor efficacy, high frequency of skin irritation |
| Testosterone gel | Transdermal, daily | Yes (185,381) | Possibility of partner transfer, daily application needed |
| Dihydrotestosterone gel | Transdermal, daily | Yes (381,383) | Poor efficacy, not aromatized |
| Testosterone buccal system | Buccal, daily | No | Untested, very limited clinical use |
| MENT implant | Subcutaneous, 6 months | Yes (215,298) | Surgical placement, poor sperm suppression, concern regarding bone effects |
| Testosterone + 5α-reductase inhibitor | Injection 1–2 wk, plus daily oral pill | Yes (148,149) | 5α-Reductase inhibitor gave no additional contraceptive benefit |