Danustouch
September 18th, 2001, 09:23 AM
These are the newest or most updated forms of birthcontrol on the market, for those interested :)
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For Women
Variations and Improvements on the Diaphragm
Most research on "barrier" methods like the diaphragm is concerned with making the devices easier to use, and of course making them more effective. Some products in development are:
Lea's Shield:
This is an oval-shaped, one-size-fits-all device. It has a one-way valve that lets air out when the shield is being put in place, creating a vacuum that holds it securely in place. The valve allows fluids to leave the uterus and cervix, but prevents sperm from getting in.
Silicone Diaphragm:
This would be easier to fit, more comfortable and easier to use than the current diaphragm available.
Injectable Contraceptives
The most widely used injectable contraceptive is Depo-Provera, a synthetic hormone. The World Health Organization is working on the development of what are known as immunocontraceptives. These are more like vaccines. They stimulate the body to produce antibodies that block the action of hormones that cause ovulation.
Implants
The future of implants seems to be in fewer rods.
Norplant currently uses six rods that supply the contraceptive hormone for a period of five years, but has developed Norplant 2, a new version that uses only two rods for the same length of time.
Implanon is another implant in development that, using just one rod, would provide three to four years of protection.
Transdermal Products
The Population Council has developed a synthetic progestin similar to the natural hormone progesterone. This form of progestin is not taken orally, but instead can be delivered transdermally, via a patch or a gel rubbed into the abdomen. It is also deliverable in the form of a ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormone over a period of several weeks. This form of synthetic progesterone is particularly good for breastfeeding mothers who want some contraceptive backup. It is not taken orally so it poses no threat to a nursing child.
For Men
Injectable Contraceptives
The Population Council is working on an injectable contraceptive for men. This would work like a vaccine by stimulating the production of antibodies. These antibodies would block the action of the hormones that trigger production of male sex hormones. The unwanted side effect of this method would be that along with sperm production, other male sexual characteristics (deep voice, facial hair, muscle mass, etc.) would be suppressed as well, and simply replacing the testosterone involves risk to the prostate glands.
Implants
The Population Council has created a synthetic form of testosterone that does not carry the risk outlined above, and would be deliverable via a skin implant similar to Norplant. Further studies are being done to ensure that the antibodies don't pose any danger to the immune system.
The Male Pill
A derivative of natural cottonseed oil, called gossypol, has been shown in a study in China to be effective as a non-hormonal oral contraceptive for men. Although it doesn't have the side effects of the hormonal methods that are being explored, it does have some that are worrisome. Some men showed depleted levels of potassium, and others became permanently sterile. Researchers are working on the dosage. Another possibility for the male pill was the result of a chance discovery; someone noticed that Nefedipine, a medication routinely used to treat migraines and high blood pressure, made a significant number of men sterile. Because it can reduce blood pressure to dangerously low levels, researchers are working to find a formula that would only affect sperm cells and not have hormonal side effects. Other potential sperm-blocking contraceptives are being studied. French researchers have hopes for a safer version of Mifepristone (more widely known as RU 486), which blocks sperm's use of calcium and thus prevents it from moving.
Antibody
In the United States researchers at the University of California at Davis are working on an antibody that would attach itself to sperm and block its attachment to the egg.
Last reviewed: July, 2001
******************************************
For Women
Variations and Improvements on the Diaphragm
Most research on "barrier" methods like the diaphragm is concerned with making the devices easier to use, and of course making them more effective. Some products in development are:
Lea's Shield:
This is an oval-shaped, one-size-fits-all device. It has a one-way valve that lets air out when the shield is being put in place, creating a vacuum that holds it securely in place. The valve allows fluids to leave the uterus and cervix, but prevents sperm from getting in.
Silicone Diaphragm:
This would be easier to fit, more comfortable and easier to use than the current diaphragm available.
Injectable Contraceptives
The most widely used injectable contraceptive is Depo-Provera, a synthetic hormone. The World Health Organization is working on the development of what are known as immunocontraceptives. These are more like vaccines. They stimulate the body to produce antibodies that block the action of hormones that cause ovulation.
Implants
The future of implants seems to be in fewer rods.
Norplant currently uses six rods that supply the contraceptive hormone for a period of five years, but has developed Norplant 2, a new version that uses only two rods for the same length of time.
Implanon is another implant in development that, using just one rod, would provide three to four years of protection.
Transdermal Products
The Population Council has developed a synthetic progestin similar to the natural hormone progesterone. This form of progestin is not taken orally, but instead can be delivered transdermally, via a patch or a gel rubbed into the abdomen. It is also deliverable in the form of a ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormone over a period of several weeks. This form of synthetic progesterone is particularly good for breastfeeding mothers who want some contraceptive backup. It is not taken orally so it poses no threat to a nursing child.
For Men
Injectable Contraceptives
The Population Council is working on an injectable contraceptive for men. This would work like a vaccine by stimulating the production of antibodies. These antibodies would block the action of the hormones that trigger production of male sex hormones. The unwanted side effect of this method would be that along with sperm production, other male sexual characteristics (deep voice, facial hair, muscle mass, etc.) would be suppressed as well, and simply replacing the testosterone involves risk to the prostate glands.
Implants
The Population Council has created a synthetic form of testosterone that does not carry the risk outlined above, and would be deliverable via a skin implant similar to Norplant. Further studies are being done to ensure that the antibodies don't pose any danger to the immune system.
The Male Pill
A derivative of natural cottonseed oil, called gossypol, has been shown in a study in China to be effective as a non-hormonal oral contraceptive for men. Although it doesn't have the side effects of the hormonal methods that are being explored, it does have some that are worrisome. Some men showed depleted levels of potassium, and others became permanently sterile. Researchers are working on the dosage. Another possibility for the male pill was the result of a chance discovery; someone noticed that Nefedipine, a medication routinely used to treat migraines and high blood pressure, made a significant number of men sterile. Because it can reduce blood pressure to dangerously low levels, researchers are working to find a formula that would only affect sperm cells and not have hormonal side effects. Other potential sperm-blocking contraceptives are being studied. French researchers have hopes for a safer version of Mifepristone (more widely known as RU 486), which blocks sperm's use of calcium and thus prevents it from moving.
Antibody
In the United States researchers at the University of California at Davis are working on an antibody that would attach itself to sperm and block its attachment to the egg.
Last reviewed: July, 2001