Acceptability of oral dimethandrolone undecanoate in a 28-day placebo-controlled trial of a hormonal male contraceptive prototype.

OBJECTIVE

To determine men's satisfaction with and acceptability of a once-daily, oral regimen of dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) versus placebo when used for 28 days.

STUDY DESIGN

After a Phase I double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating trial of oral DMAU for 28-days, 57 healthy male volunteers completed a survey assessing their experience and satisfaction with the regimen. In the trial, participants were randomized to receive up to 4 DMAU capsules daily versus placebo and instructed to ingest them within 30 min of consuming a high fat meal. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were performed, followed by a 6-week recovery phase. Participants were counseled that they could not rely on the drug for contraception.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven participants were offered acceptability surveys (39 DMAU, 18 placebo). Most respondents, 80% (45/56), reported satisfaction with the method; 77% (44/57) would recommend it. 54% (31/57), reported that, if available, they would use the method as their primary contraceptive. More respondents reported satisfaction with active DMAU than placebo (87% vs. 67%; p = 0.05). Most respondents, 91% (52/57), reported no difficulty with having to take up to 4 pills within 30 min of ingesting a high-fat meal.

CONCLUSION

Most participants reported that the study method, daily oral DMAU or placebo, was satisfactory and acceptable. Having to take the drug after a high-fat meal did not detract from acceptability.

IMPLICATIONS

Most participants in a 4-week trial of daily DMAU capsules would recommend and use the method. High satisfaction among DMAU and placebo groups affirms acceptability of a daily male contraceptive pill, warranting further study of oral DMAU.