Introduction:
Contraceptive methods are used to prevent pregnancies, give space between pregnancies, or in some cases, help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Contraception has evolved in recent years, introducing different methods for males and females. It also focuses on improving contraceptive methods and reducing the chances of failure.
What Is Meant by Contraception?
Contraception refers to methods intended to prevent pregnancy. It is also called birth control, which uses medicine, devices, or surgery—different types of contraceptive methods, some reversible and others permanent.
The different types of birth control methods can be classified into
1. Barrier Methods:
-
Male condoms.
-
Female condoms.
-
Contraceptive sponges (advantage of sponges is that they are hormone-free-option).
-
Spermicide.
-
Diaphragm and cervical cap.
2. Hormonal Methods:
-
Contraceptive patch.
-
Vaginal ring.
-
Injectable birth control.
-
Implants.
3. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives:
-
Intrauterine devices.
4. Sterilization Techniques:
-
Tubectomy.
-
Vasectomy.
What Are the Innovations in Female Contraception?
-
Vaginal Capsule:
A vaginal capsule called OUI is a small gel capsule that works as a female contraceptive and is inserted into the vagina. The vaginal capsule dissolves and quickly releases its formulation. It is highly effective, with quick action within one minute after insertion. The vaginal capsule does not use any hormones. The vaginal capsule prevents sperm from passing through the cervical mucus. The barrier is created as the released molecule interacts with cervical mucus, which the sperm cannot penetrate. A low pH environment is created, and sperm cannot remain active anymore.
This is a topical treatment where the drug only interacts with the mucosal layer. The vaginal capsule has very few or no side effects. The product has yet to be introduced into the market.
-
SILCS Diaphragm:
It is a non-hormonal barrier method for females. It is a new type of diaphragm that a clinician can use for up to three years. It also helps deliver gels and protects against sexually transmitted diseases. It also received FDA regulatory approval.
-
Microneedle Contraceptive Patch:
Slow-releasing hormone skin patch, which is smaller in size. The contraceptive patch is long-acting and simple to use. The patch can be used by oneself and not be administered by a healthcare professional.
The microneedle patch is pressed to the skin for one minute, and the microneedles detach from the patches and slowly release the hormone. Levonorgestrel is used in the contraceptive patch, and the medicine can last for one month. The application of the microneedle patch was easy and painless. This product is not made available for regular use and needs more tests in humans for efficacy.
-
One-Year Contraceptive Vaginal Ring and Progesterone Vaginal Ring:
It was the first developed medium-term hormonal contraceptive. It can last up to one year and is completely controlled by women. A breastfeeding woman can use a progesterone vaginal ring to have spacing in pregnancy. This will not affect the production of breast milk. This can be inserted by oneself to make it more acceptable.
-
Phexxi Vaginal Gel:
The vaginal gel works by maintaining the vaginal pH between 3.5 to 4, making it difficult for sperm to survive. Phexxi gel does not contain any hormones and is free from complications associated with hormonal contraceptive methods.
The gel can be used just before sex, and the effect lasts up to one hour. The contraceptive comes with a four-inch applicator to push the gel into the vagina. The drug is FDA-approved and available by prescription from a healthcare practitioner.
-
Antibodies as Non-hormonal Contraceptives:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill developed the potent monoclonal antibodies as a non-hormonal female contraceptive. The antibodies bind to the sperm, making them stuck together and immobilized. This method is an effective non-hormonal method to prevent pregnancies. It comes in the form of vaginal rings to deliver antibodies throughout the fertile period or is made available as a dissolvable film that can be inserted into the vagina. It should be done before having sex.
What Are the Innovations in Male Contraception?
-
Hormonal Male Contraception:
As a method of reversible male contraception, potential male birth control pills were developed and passed human safety tests. Experimental male contraceptives are known as 11-beta-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecyl carbonate or 11-beta-MTDC. It is a modified testosterone that combines androgens and testosterone. The drug helps reduce sperm production without affecting the libido. The introduction of male birth control pills makes people aware that both men and women are responsible for birth control methods. More studies and research need to be done to assess its full efficacy.
-
Injectable Male Birth Control:
India has developed the first injectable male birth control called RISUG, and it entered phase III clinical trials. RISUG means reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance. The drug is injected into the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles. It blocks the sperm from leaving the tubes and results in contraception.
The United States has developed a similar drug called Vasalgel.
-
Ultrasound-Powered Male Contraceptive:
The device was introduced as a safer contraception than a condom or vasectomy. It is a reversible contraception method for males that uses ultrasound waves to stop the regeneration of sperm temporarily. The results are created after two weeks of application. The device requires more study and trials before being put into clinical practice.
-
Transdermal Gel:
Reversible male contraception in the form of topical gel. Nestorone or testosterone transdermal gel can reduce the sperm count without affecting the testosterone level. The gel is applied to the man's shoulders and upper arms daily. The gel is absorbed through the skin, which contains progestin, preventing sperm formation. Regulatory authorities approved the testosterone gel, and it was well tolerated. No serious side effects were reported.
-
Heat Method:
Sperm production can be disturbed by increasing the temperature. In this method, the testicles are heated so the production of sperm is reduced. This can be done by pouring hot water over the scrotum, increasing the testicle's temperature using ultrasound or heating pads, or using specialized underwear.
Conclusion:
The newer innovations give the flexibility to adopt contraceptive methods for both men and women. Not just sticking to conventional contraceptive methods; newer methods reduce the potential risk associated. Non-hormonal methods gained wide acceptance. Another important point to consider is the self-use of contraceptive devices rather than depending on healthcare professionals.
