Testosterone for male contraception during one year: attitudes, well-being and quality of sex life.

Men's attitudes, well-being, and sex life were studied during 1 year's use of testosterone contraception. A consecutive series of 25 men were followed by structured interviews at baseline, during the efficacy phase of oligo-azoospermia and after recovery. Open questions gave qualitative aspects on male contraception. Themes obtained were expectations about freedom and control over their reproduction (16/25) and an enhanced sex life (17/25). The method was rated to be as expected or better by the great majority. Health and most aspects of the men's sex life did not change, but the frequency of intercourse and the quality of sex life in general were higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) during the efficacy phase compared to the recovery phase. The decrease during recovery phase may be explained by a pharmacological down-regulation of the androgen receptors. Eight of 22 men admitted slightly aggressive feelings during treatment. Five of 11 women reported the men as more self-assertive during the efficacy phase.