Testosterone undecanoate maintains spermatogenic suppression induced by cyproterone acetate plus testosterone undecanoate in normal men
Date
2003-12Author
Huebler, Doris
Pelusi, C.
Pelusi, G.
Meriggiola, M. Cristina
Bremner, William J.
Morselli-Labate, Antonio M.
Costantino, Antonietta
Cerpolini, S.
Kirsch, B.
Bertaccini, Alessandro
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In this study we evaluated whether testosterone undecanoate (TU), alone or
combined with low dose cyproterone acetate (CPA), can maintain
spermatogenic suppression induced by higher doses of CPA plus TU.
Twenty-four men received for 12 wk 20 mg/d CPA plus 1000 mg/6 wk TU and
then 1000 mg/8 wk TU plus 20 mg/d CPA (n = 8), 2 mg/d CPA (n = 8), or plus
placebo (n = 8) for 32 wk. Blood samples, physical examinations, hormones,
chemistry, hematology, semen analysis, and sexual/behavioral assessments
were performed throughout the study. Sperm counts decreased to less than 1
million/ml in all subjects by wk 12, and 54% of them achieved azoospermia.
Suppression of sperm counts was maintained until wk 44. Serum LH and FSH
levels were suppressed by wk 12 of hormone administration and remained
suppressed until wk 44. No significant changes in any biochemical
parameters were detected at wk 44 in any group. There was a slight
increase in total prostate volume to within the normal range at wk 44 that
returned to baseline 1 yr after stopping hormone administration. In
conclusion, TU alone or combined with lower doses of CPA maintains sperm
suppression induced by higher dose CPA plus TU for 32 wk. This prototype
regimen represents a promising male contraceptive regimen.