Contraceptive efficacy determination by postcoital testing.
A new vaginal contraceptive method that offers the ease of use with none of the potentially harmful physiologic effects of hormonal contraception was subjected to direct in vivo tests of its efficacy in immobilizing spermatozoa and preventing their entry into the cervical canal. The new contraceptive, a small avoid only 2.8 cm long and 1.4 cm wide, is easily inserted into the vagina without the need for special applicators. It offers protection through the delivery of a highly effective spermicide by the effervescent formation of foam that disperses over the uterine opening. In the trials, no motile spermatozoa could be found in any samples obtained from the vagina, the os externum, or the cervical canal immediately after intercouse protected with the new agent. In no case were any sperm, even immotile sperm, observed in the cervical canal. By contrast, examination of 30 samples obtained immediately after coitus protected with another contraceptive agent (used as a control) revealed motile spermatozao in the cervical canal in nine cases, and propulsive motility was seen on five occasions. The new contraceptive proved highly effective in preventing conception.
D003075:Coitus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols