Vaginal gel that blocks sperm!
If you are not planning a baby, then there are multiple birth-control methods to choose from. This can be confusing, based on factors such as effectiveness, side effects, costs etc.
Hormone-based birth control methods such as contraceptive pills and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective. However, they can cause side effects such as mood swings, reduced sex drive, sore breasts, nausea and headaches.
On the other hand, non-hormonal birth control methods such as condoms and fertility tracking apps do not usually have these side effects, however are not completely reliable at preventing pregnancies.
With studies striving to find the best contraceptive methods, researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden have developed a hormone-free vaginal gel that may work as well as hormonal contraceptives, plus without any side effects they bring to the table.
About the research
The research conducted in 8 sheep involved inserting the gel towards the backs of the vaginas of these sheep using a syringe applicator. Both sheep and human vaginal tissue show comparable tissue composition, according to studies.
After an hour of gel application, the researchers artificially inseminated each of these sheep tested with 1 billion sperm.
Promising results
The gel spread throughout the vagina of the sheep and into the entrance of the cervix. It formed an effective, successful barrier. Essentially, the gel prevented almost all of 1 billion sperm from getting past the cervix in the sheep.
On the downside, the sperm managed to get past the cervix of one sheep in the study. The researchers found that even in this case, it was only two of the 1 billion swimmers.
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What is this gel made of?
The gel contains chitosan, which is a biopolymer derived from fungus or crab shells. The chitosan present in this gel forms cross-links with proteins that are secreted in the cervical mucus. This thickens the mucus which blocks sperm from getting past the cervix. Thus, the sperm is unable to enter into the fallopian tubes, where the female egg could get fertilized.
No side effects
There are several chemical spermicides currently available which work in similar fashion without causing any hormonal changes. However, the chemicals in them can cause irritation or inflammation of the vaginal walls. This has not been seen in the chitosan gel used in this study. So, this could be less irritating contraception to use.
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More studies needed
The researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology are planning more studies in sheep to test whether the barrier created by this gel stays intact during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Further, trials in humans would also be needed to if the gel offers side-effect free protection as seen in sheep, along with other factors like how long before sex the gel should be applied and how long any protection would last.