Scientists from West Virginia Medical School have conducted the first successful trials of a contraceptive vaginal film that immobilizes sperm and does not require the use of hormonal agents. Research published American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The study included eight healthy women aged 18 to 50 years who were not taking any hormonal contraceptives and had regular menstrual cycles. All women had previously been surgically sterilized and were sexually active with a male partner with no history of infertility.
A film containing HCA antibodies against spermatozoa was inserted by women into the vagina before sexual intercourse on their own without the participation of a doctor. Within two to three hours after intercourse during ovulation, study participants came to the clinic to determine the number of actively motile spermatozoa in the vagina.
The use of vaginal films has been proven to be clinically safe in the short term for both partners. Without a film in the women’s vagina, the sperm count was about 26 PMS/HPF. Using the film before intercourse reduced this figure to 0.04 PMS/HPF. About one month after the experiment, the sperm count was approximately 47 PMS/HPF. This means that the film effect is reversible.
Further studies are needed on the safety and efficacy of the film, including longer follow-up and contraceptive use, but initial trials are promising.
Hormonal contraceptives (pills, injections, patches, etc.) often have side effects and are therefore not suitable for everyone. Barrier methods, including female condoms and diaphragms, are not widely used, and spermicidal drugs can harm vaginal bacteria and increase the risk of HIV infection.