##STR1## The invention relates to 22S hydroxycholesta-8, 14-diene derivatives having general formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is OR, OSO.sub.3 H or --NOR; with R being H, (C.sub.1-6)alkyl or (C.sub.1-6)acyl; each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently hydrogen or (C.sub.1-6)alkyl; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, (C.sub.1-6)alkyl or (C.sub.1-6)acyl; R.sub.5 is hydrogen; or R.sub.5 designates, together with R.sub.6, an additional bond between the carbon atoms at which R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are placed; R.sub.6 is hydrogen, hydroxy or halogen, or R.sub.6 designates, together with R.sub.5, an additional bond between the carbon atoms at which R.sub.6 and R.sub.5 are placed; each or R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 is independently hydrogen or (C.sub.1-4)alkyl, optionally substituted with OH, (C.sub.1-4)alkoxy, or halogen; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of the invention have meiosis activating activity and can be used for the control of fertility.