Quinacrine sterilization in Tripura, India

A 611-case clinical trial of quinacrine sterilization (QS) was conducted at Agartala, Tripura State, India, using a unique protocol. No pregnancy failures were reported after a mean of 45.8 months of follow-up. Three trans-cervical insertions of 324 mg, 288 mg, and 252 mg quinacrine pellets were used in the first, second, and third insertions, respectively. Insertions were done on Days 6-10 of the menstrual cycle with the women remaining in a slight Trendelenberg position for 2 h post insertion. Antibiotics were prescribed after each insertion, and 3 months' supply of an additional contraception provided from first insertion. A unique inducement to report pregnancy failures was employed. Each woman was offered the equivalent of 5 months' family income to report any pregnancy following QS and a free menstrual regulation procedure. No pregnancies were reported. An independent follow-up visit to a systematic sample of 40 women found no pregnancies.