Antifertility vaccines

The possibility of using immunization as a method of birth control has been explored actively since the 1930s, with several different sperm, egg or hormonal antigens having been studied as suitable targets for intervention. However, it is only in the past decade that the efficacy of vaccination against fertility has become established firmly in both humans and free-roaming animal populations. We will review recent progress in the continuing development of antifertility vaccines, with an emphasis on vaccines intended ultimately for use in humans, whilst highlighting also some of the notable successes achieved with vaccines produced for use in other species.