Spermicidal activity of menfegol-coated condom

The spermicidal activity of menfegol-coated condoms was investigated. Menfegol (P-menthanyl-phenyl-polyxyethylene [8,8] ether) showed strong spermicidal activity at 0.5 mg/ml and higher concentrations. Semen was ejaculated directly into menfegol-coated condoms (20 mg/condom) or uncoated condoms. Immediately after ejaculation, sperm motility and viability were examined. In the menfegol-coated condoms, sperm motility was completely suppressed and no viable sperm were observed. In the uncoated condoms, most of the sperm were alive, although their motility was almost suppressed. These results indicate that the menfegol-coated condom represents a new birth control method in which the contraceptive efficacy of the condom is enhanced by the spermicidal activity of menfegol.