A review of the current status in male contraceptive studies.

At the present time male contraception plays a minor role in the family planning effort. This is due to lack of a method which would selectively impair fertility without impairing libido at the same time. Vasectomy the most effective male contraceptive suffers from the psychological drawback of association with castration. It also carries with it the fear of atherosclerosis in the longterm. Of late the use of gossypol and progestagen/androgen combinations have demonstrated the promise that an effective male chemical contraceptive might be developed during this decade. Further in the realm of scientific research is the development of immunological approaches and LH-RH/androgen combinations. A limited study by the World Health Organization has revealed that the male is willing to share the responsibility of contraception but this remains to be confirmed on a wider basis. An effective male contraceptive would influence future family planning much more than refinements in the existing female methods. Conscious efforts by governments and scientists must be directed towards achieving this goal. (authors modified)