Acceptability of the oral hormonal male contraceptive prototype, 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC), in a 28-day placebo-controlled trial

Contraception. 2021 Nov;104(5):531-537. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.06.009. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Abstract

Objective: To determine men's satisfaction with and the potential acceptability of 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC) when used for 28 days as an experimental, once-daily, oral hormonal male contraceptive (HMC).

Study design: We surveyed participants from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 clinical trial, examining their experience with and willingness to use daily oral 11β-MNTDC for male contraception.

Results: Of 42 trial participants, 40 (30 11β-MNTDC, 10 placebo) completed baseline and end-of-treatment surveys. Based on a 28-day experience, few cited any baseline concerns about safety and drug adherence. Following treatment, nearly three-quarters (72.5%) of participants reported satisfaction with the study drug and nearly all (92.5%) would recommend the method to others. More than half of participants would be willing to pay for the study drug (62.5%) and indicated that the method exceeded initial expectations (53.9%). Nearly 90% reported that taking the pill was easy to remember and did not interfere with their daily routines. Approximately one-third of participants reported bothersome side effects (37% 11β-MNTDC vs. 20% placebo, p = 0.45). Given the option, 42% of participants would prefer a daily HMC pill over injectable regimens or a daily topical gel.

Conclusion: A majority of participants in this short-term trial of daily oral 11β-MNTDC reported satisfaction with the regimen, would recommend it to others, and would pay to use the drug as HMC despite some bothersome side effects.

Implications: Oral 11β-MNTDC would be an acceptable and preferable method among men desiring reversible hormonal male contraception (HMC). These data support further trials of novel oral HMCs such as 11β-MNTDC.

Keywords: Contraceptive development; Hormonal contraception; Male birth control; Male birth control pill; Male contraception; Men's family planning; Men's sexual and reproductive health; Suppression of spermatogenesis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Contraception
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nandrolone*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Male
  • Nandrolone