Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1983

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

New contraceptives tested for women and men.

AUTHORS

Stephenson G

SOURCE

Research Resources Reporter. 1983 May;7(5):1-4.

ABSTRACT

A synthetic brain hormone that indirectly regulates fertility shows some promise as a female contraceptive and

eventually may lead to a male contraceptive. In women a synthetic form of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

(LHRH), an LHRH agonist, shifts the cycle of ovulation to a time when a fertilized egg cannot successfully implant on

the uterine wall. In men, the hormone decreases plasma levels of testosterone and 2 related sex hormones,

reducing sperm density and motility. The LHRH agonist produces contradictory effects, depending on the dosage.

Small dose can correct infertility in some women; large doses can produce infertility in women and markedly reduce

the sperm count in men. Dr. Samuel S.C. Yen, professor and chair of the reproductive medicine department at the

University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, says that if the synthetic hormone proves to be an effective

and safe female contraceptive, it will provide a more convenient form of birth control than conventional methods.

Women might need to take the LHRH agonist only during the 1st 3 days of the menstrual cycle. The effect of the

synthetic hormone resembles luteal phase defect, a naturally occurring disorder that causes infertility. Yen stresses

that this contraceptive effect of the LHRH-agonist and its reversibility remain to be demonstrated. The hormone's

effect in men mimics a naturally occurring disorder called pituitary desensitization in which the function of the

pituitary is disturbed. Studies examining the effects of the hormone have required subcutaneous injection, intranasal

inhalation, or vaginal administration in women. The most promising route of administration for men appears to be

nasal inhalation. Vaginal suppositories appear to be the most likely route for delivering the hormone for women. The

efficacy and safety of the LHRH agonist must be thoroughly tested before large scale clincal trials and commercial

development begin. A crucial question confronting researchers is the point at which infertility can be induced in men

by the LHRH agonist. Subcutaneous injections of the LHRH agonist daily for 6-10 weeks caused plasma levels of

testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone and serum levels of estradiol-17beta in the 8 men studied at the Vanderbilt

General Clinical Research Center to drop substantially, resulting in reduced sperm production. Except for the loss of

potency no adverse side effects were noticed in male subjects. Yen predicts that the LHRH agonist will be ready for

large scale clinical trials in 2-3 years. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT5T 2033-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "New contraceptives tested for women and men.", is(are)

Stephenson G. The source of this article is "Research Resources Reporter. 1983 May;7(5):1-4.". This article was

published in 1983 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT5T 2033-06. All rights reserved with

PubHealth.info) PIN: 22033

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