[Hormonal contraception for men: still a current issue].

The current status of hormonal contraception in men involves the principle of suppression of gonadotropins, LH, and FSH. This must be achieved as completely as possible to facilitate cessation of spermatogenesis and, thus, reach azoospermia. Simultaneously testosterone has to be replaced. Exogenous testosterone administration achieves the goal of gonadotropin suppression, but needs in addition the supplementation of a gestagen to fully suppress secretion of LH and FSH. Suppression of gonadotropins by steroids requires constant serum concentrations of sex steroids; hence, attempts using daily oral or transdermal preparations were, so far, unsuccessful. Thus, the immediate prospect for male contraception is not a"pill" itself but a regimen of combined injectable steroids, which are in advanced clinical testing.