Spermicides 2002: an overview

Abstract

The first-ever written prescription for a contraceptive (barrier method) tampon can be found in the Ebers Papyrus, a compendium of medical practices written in 1550 BC. Modern spermicides are produced in a variety of formulations, including gels, foams, creams, suppositories, pessaries, capsules, foaming tablets and films. Spermicides are relatively inexpensive and widely available over the counter. Most of the currently used spermicides contain the chemical agent (non-ionic detergent) nonoxynol-9. The spermicide 'as a commonly used method' has a very high failure rate (one pregnancy in every four women using this method of contraception for 1 year). Implementation of other, much more effective methods of contraception has made spermicides less and less popular, but recently their potential properties against HIV and STI pathogens (a cause of sexually transmitted diseases) have led to new attention for these products. These properties have been widely evaluated in clinical trials, but the final conclusion does not favor spermicides as the tool for the global fight against HIV/AIDS. There is an urgent need for the invention of a chemical product that, for dual protection, would be administered vaginally before sexual intercourse to kill HIV and other STI pathogens, and at the same time disable or kill sperm. The new era for barrier methods should begin from the development of novel microbicides.

Vaginal delivery of siRNA using a novel PEGylated lipoplex-entrapped alginate scaffold system

“…3). The importance of developing muco-penetrative particles was further demonstrated when N-9, a non-ionic detergent widely used in vaginal gels, lubricants, and condoms [35], failed to enhance the delivery of lipoplexes to the underlying epithelium despite its ability to disrupt vaginal epithelium [17,36] (data not shown). While it is possible that the liposome structure could have been destroyed in the presence of the detergent (N-9) leading to ineffective delivery, the ability of N-9 to dissociate hydrophobically-bundled mucin fibers could have also contributed to this given its ability to decrease the average mucus pore size from 200-500 nm to 130 nm [37,38].…”

A Review on Advances in the Development of Spermicides Loaded Vaginal Drug Delivery System: State of the Art

“…In addition, propranolol hydrochloride was developed as a gel using sodium alginate at 6.5% w/w and proved its mucoadhesive property toward vaginal walls that might sustain its spermicidal activity [29]. Other spermicides were developed as a contraceptive sponge which provides not one but a combination of three active spermicides (nonoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, and sodium cholate) [1]. • Might irritate the genital organs of the male partner [1,22] • Might produce protection against some sexually transmitted diseases…”

“…Other spermicides were developed as a contraceptive sponge which provides not one but a combination of three active spermicides (nonoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, and sodium cholate) [1]. • Might irritate the genital organs of the male partner [1,22] • Might produce protection against some sexually transmitted diseases…”

“…Followers of this idea suggested the utilization of vinegar, lemon juice, and pessaries enclosing citric or lactic acid and Vaseline. Unfortunately, none of these techniques were effective, but the spermicides were fabricated and utilized widely [1]. Spermicides are fabricated in several pharmaceutical forms, like foams, gels, pessaries, creams, tablets, capsules, films, and sponges.…”

Impacto clínico y metabólico de los anticonceptivos hormonales combinados según vía de administración y gestágeno utilizado

“…Gran cantidad de testimonios escritos en tiempos remotos sobre la anticoncepción sobrevivieron a lo largo de la historia. Los papiros de Ebers, una compilación de textos médicos egipcios que datan del 1550 a.C., incluyen distintos métodos y fórmulas anticonceptivas (113). Escritores clásicos tales como Plinio el Mayor y Discorides Pedanius (De materia medica, 77 a.C.) se refieren al control de la fertilidad (197).…”