[The hormone diaphragm affords safe contraception and relief from menstrual pain].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A trial of the contraceptive sponge was conducted at two clinics (403 subjects) in Yugoslavia. Women were periodically followed up for 1 year. The 1-year method pregnancy rate (life-table) was 5.6 per 100 women. Rates of other events leading to discontinuation of sponge use were similarly low. There were no serious complications. The results of the study show that the contraceptive sponge may be successfully used by a population of women with limited experience with the use of vaginal contraceptive methods.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Forty-two percent of collagen sponges tested as an intravaginal barrier contraceptive method developed malodor when retained for 5 days. Only 4% developed odor when the sponge was removed within 24 hours after intercourse, rinsed, and reinserted. While sexually active volunteers found odor in 37% of the sponges, odor formed only in 4% of the sponges worn by sexually inactive users. No difference in the rate of odor formation was found when neutral pH (7.0) and acid pH (3.4) collagen sponges were tested, although we believe that a pH 3.4 is too acid and promotes odor formation. The optimal pH of the sponge should be 4.5 to 5.5. Malodor was efficiently extracted from sponges by washing in acid milieu of tap water and vinegar or 0.1 M acetate buffer, pH 4.0. Alkali extraction procedures were ineffective, and lukewarm water was slightly less effective than acid extraction of odor. At the time of malodor development, the high content of polyamines (putrescine, spermine, spermidine) in the ejaculate decreased to undetectable values. We conclude that the ejaculate is the major source of malodor formation in intravaginally worn collagen sponges. Removal, rinsing optimally in vinegar solution, and reinsertion within 24 hours after intercourse reduces the chance of malodor formation.
Fungal vulvovaginitis remains one of the most frequent conditions affecting the lower genital tract. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition have improved our ability to treat recurrent or persistent cases. More clinical data have become available on the optimal duration of treatment with some of the newer antifungal agents.
This study examined characteristic of the contraceptive sponge that were important in women's decisions to use the contraceptive sponge and reasons why women discontinued sponge use. A sample of 385 current sponge users and 407 former sponge users participated in a national telephone survey on sponge use. Important reasons for trying the sponge were effectiveness, comfort, convenience and ease of use and it "would not interfere with sexual pleasure." The media and physicians were of considerable influence in women's decisions to initiate sponge use, but sexual partners, friends, parents and relatives exerted little influence. The most important reasons for discontinuing use of the sponge were pregnancy, both planned and accidental, and irritation, discomfort or vaginal infection. Women may decide to use the sponge because they have unrealistically positive perceptions of sponge characteristics.
Extensive testing of collagen sponge as a vaginal contraceptive (mechanical and chemical) showed that the original expectations regarding the safety, convenience, and efficacy were not met. The collagen sponge was tested both as a cylinder and as a diaphragm and used as such or impregnated with spermicidal detergent or with zinc salt. The collagen sponge must be larger than 6 cm in diameter in order to serve as a mechanical barrier that will not be dislodged during physical activity. This creates problems with the ease of insertion and with the partners' awareness of the barrier. When the collagen sponge containing ejaculate is left in the vagina greater than 48 hours, it develops an offensive odor. The original acidity of the collagen sponge (pH 3.5, 0.1 mol/L) is soon neutralized by the large volume of alkaline vaginal secretions. In vitro studies showed that up to 10 mg of nonoxynol 9 per milliliter of growth medium did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. These effects, as well as the large surface area of the resilient sponge, present a potential risk for growing staphylococci within the collagen sponge. The capacity of the collagen sponge to absorb a large volume of cervical and vaginal fluid produced two symptoms that were annoying to the volunteers: an awareness of either vaginal dryness during intercourse or, conversely, saturation of the sponge from the vagina. Postcoital studies showed viable spermatozoa in the cervical mucus in 25% of the tests with the nonmedicated cylindrical sponge but in only 6% of tests with the sponge containing nonoxynol 9. The results of clinical trials conducted at four centers support the view that collagen sponge as a vaginal contraceptive barrier method is inconvenient to both partners, not effective enough to compete with present methods of vaginal contraception, and possibly might be unsafe because of the capacity to grow bacteria. Despite the negative end result of this goal-oriented research, we believe that our studies have contributed to a better understanding of vaginal physiologic features, the safety and effectiveness of spermicidal detergents, and the mechanisms of vaginal malodor. Although the acceptability study showed some advantages of the collagen sponge over the rubber diaphragm, the overall acceptability of the collagen sponge diaphragm was no better than that of the rubber diaphragm. For all these reasons, including the possible risk of an increased incidence of toxic shock syndrome, we have discontinued further testing of either type of collagen sponge as a vaginal barrier method.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The Prentif cavity rim (PCR) cervical cap offers American women a barrier method alternative that is safe, effective, and convenient. Despite its many advantages and benefits, disadvantages have been documented. These include limited availability and side effects, such as cap dislodgement, partner discomfort, and bad odor of the cervical cap. However, many women decide the benefits and advantages associated with the PCR cervical cap outweigh the risks and possible side effects, making it an appealing alternative.
Condoms for men are currently the most effective of the nonprescription contraceptive methods. They are readily available, simple to use, and relatively inexpensive, and they are not associated with major adverse effects. If used both properly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STDs. The protection offered by the latex condom may be increased by the concurrent use of a vaginal foam or cream containing nonoxynol 9. The practicing pharmacist should know about the variety of condoms available, be able to explain their correct use to maximize effectiveness, and compare condom use with other types of contraceptives. The practitioner should be available to answer patrons' questions and provide counseling on contraceptives and "safe sex" practices.
Women wish to continue to be sexually active long after their desire to bear children. The risks associated with unintended pregnancy easily can be avoided by providing women with information about, and access to, contraceptives that are safe and effective. Because fertility naturally declines with age, different contraceptives may be more suitable for women toward the end of their reproductive years than were appropriate at periods of peak fertility. This article discusses the risks and benefits of various contraceptives for midlife women and the implications of this information on nursing practice.
The clinical evaluation of drugs used in fertility regulation is initially assessed in Phase I, II and III trials. The design of each phase and the investigative staff must be adequate. In Phase I, normal, healthy human volunteers meeting specific guidelines are usually studied. Numbers vary between 20 and 80 and the purpose is to determine the acute toxicity of the compound. In Phase II, efficacy and safety are examined in a clinical target population, and emphasis may be placed on pharmacological and mechanistic studies. Usually between 50 and 200 patients are involved. In Phase III, large-scale clinical studies for local registration and the introduction of drugs to various countries are included. This paper describes the evaluation of various drugs used in contraception, including NORPLANT implants, and considers the efficiency, safety and acceptability of such drugs. Phase IV studies are usually needed to reveal chronic toxicities or rare events.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.