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A pre-coital pill? A preliminary in vitro study
G T Kovacs1, J Hendricks, D Summerbell
1Monash Medical School, Box Hill Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
The British Journal of Family Planning
|August 2, 2000
Summary
The progestogen-only pill, taken as a morning-after contraceptive, effectively blocked sperm from reaching cervical mucus 12 hours later in lab tests. This indicates its potential as an emergency contraceptive option.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Contraceptive pharmacology
Background:
- The progestogen-only pill (POP) is commonly used for daily contraception.
- Its potential use as an emergency contraceptive, often termed the 'morning-after pill', requires investigation into its immediate efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the progestogen-only pill (levonorgestrel or norethisterone) in preventing sperm migration through cervical mucus in vitro.
- To assess the potential of the POP as a 'morning-before' or emergency contraceptive.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies were conducted to analyze sperm-mucus interaction.
- The effect of single doses of levonorgestrel (30 microg) and norethisterone (350 microg) on sperm penetration was assessed approximately 12 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- A single dose of levonorgestrel (30 microg) or norethisterone (350 microg) demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting sperm migration in cervical mucus.
- This inhibitory effect was observed around 12 hours after tablet intake.
Conclusions:
- The progestogen-only pill shows potential for use as an emergency contraceptive, functioning similarly to a 'morning-before pill'.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these in vitro findings in human subjects.