Table 1.

Mechanisms of Action of Hormonal Methods of Contraception produced by exogenous administration of testosterone (androgen) ± progestin

Suppression of secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus and the gonadotropins, LH and FSH, from the pituitary gland. Decreased LH results in decreased testosterone production from Leydig cells, low intratesticular testosterone level, decreased Sertoli cell function and suppression of spermatogenesis Decreased FSH results in Sertoli cell dysfunction and impaired spermatogenesis Decreased in spermatozoa production occurs via: Decreased proliferation of spermatogonia accelerated germ cell apoptosis defective spermiation