Related Experiment Videos
Measuring true contraceptive efficacy. A randomized approach--condom vs. spermicide vs. no method
M J Steiner1, I Hertz-Picciotto, K F Schulz
1Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. msteiner@fhi.org
Contraception
|March 30, 1999
Summary
This pilot study explored a new method for testing contraceptive efficacy. While not conclusive, it suggests condoms may be highly effective, with no pregnancies in the condom group.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Clinical Trials
- Contraception Research
Background:
- Prospective efficacy trials comparing contraceptive methods to no method are ethically challenging.
- Previous studies focused on women actively avoiding pregnancy, not those willing to postpone conception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the feasibility of a novel study design for evaluating contraceptive efficacy.
- To assess a method involving controlled intercourse timing on the most fertile day.
- To compare male condoms, spermicidal film, and no method in a controlled setting.
Main Methods:
- Recruited women desiring pregnancy but willing to postpone conception for one month.
- Restricted intercourse to one act on the most fertile day, identified by luteinizing hormone (LH) kits.
- Randomized participants to male condoms, spermicidal film, or no method.
Main Results:
- A 12% pregnancy rate was observed in the no-method group (2/17).
- The spermicidal film group had an 11% pregnancy rate (2/18).
- No pregnancies occurred in the male condom group (0/19).
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of a randomized approach to assess contraceptive efficacy.
- A large-scale trial is recommended to confirm the efficacy of barrier methods, including condoms.
- The current pilot study's small sample size precludes definitive conclusions on method comparison.