Skin Rubbed Contraceptive Better Than the Pill or Patch

In the United States sixty-two percent of women 15 - 44 years old (62 million) have used at least one contraceptive method during sexual intercourse. Most common form of non - permanent contraceptive includes hormonal methods ("such as the pill, patch, implant, injectable and vaginal ring") the IUD and condoms. The pill most women prefer taking as a contraceptive, twenty-eight percent of the time (2006 - 2008). 1 The pill and other contraceptives including the patch have side effects, many women may not tolerate or doctors may not recommend for women who have health concerns. New gel skin contraceptive currently being evaluated without common side-effects of the Pill and Patch. 2

The drug firm Antares Pharma (Ewing, New Jersey 3) developing a birth control transdermal gel (cream) hormone skin application (called Nestorone Estradial 5), in partnership with not-for-profit Population Council research center in New York. 8 The gel is rubbed onto the abdomen, thighs, arms or shoulders, directly absorb through the skin with no residue. 4 "The cream contains a combination of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone - the chemicals found in most forms of the Pill. But it contains a different type of progesterone - called Nestoron (syntheticprogesterone 6), which in early trials caused far fewer side effects." During a three month trial period, eighteen women in their twenties and thirties who topically applied the cream prevented pregnancy, effective as the Pill (Phase 2 trials 8) 5: Chile, the Dominican Republic and United States. 8 The trial was supervised by Dr. Ruth Merkatz, director of clinical development of reproductive health at the not-for-profit Population Council research centre in New York. 2 According to researchers the ideal dosage (Nestorone) three milligrams a day. The gel prevented the production of eggs by the ovary. 4

Nestorone contraceptive cream advantages as compared to taking the pill no common side-effects such as nausea, weight gain, acne, and headaches (Forty percent of those who take the pill). 5 Researchers confirm oral contraceptives increase the risk for blood clots and high blood pressure. 7 The cream does not interfere with milk supply during breastfeeding compared to the pill impeding hormone levels. 6 Nestorone compared to the contraceptive patch eliminates visibility and concern may fall off the skin. The gel contraceptive is suitable for women who are receptive to a skin applied contraceptive. 2

During the meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Merkatz presented her findings regarding Nestorone (2010). 9 Dr. Merkatz said regarding the initial trial study of Nestorone: "It's in early stage development but if we move on, will obviously test it in many, many more women." 2 Furthermore Dr. Merkatz said the gel will need to be tested over longer periods of time. According to Antares website the next phase for Nestorone "pipeline product" trials will enter Phase Three. 8

Researchers expect Nestorone gel contraceptive to be available for sale, within the next few years. 5 "Family planning experts said that while it is still early days, they welcomed the news because it gives women more choice." 8

References:

1.) Facts on Contraceptive Use in the United States - http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_contr_use.html

2.) Contraceptive gel could replace birth control pill -

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8085725/Contraceptive-gel-could-replace-birth-control-pill.html

3.) Profile - Antares Pharma Inc. - http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=AIS+Profile

4.) Contraceptive gel shows promise as alternative to Pill - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11619044

5.) Now, a gel that could replace the Pill - http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-70560.html

6.) Contraceptive gel could replace pill - http://www.theprovince.com/health/Contraceptive+could+replace+pill/3728113/story.html

7.) The Pill and Stroke: risk factors identified - http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/20090927041707_health_news.shtml

8.) Gel Alternative To Contraceptive Pill Shows Promising Results In Small Trial - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205831.php

9.) Body gel nausea-free alternative to the pill - http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/body-gel-nauseafree-alternative-to-the-pill-20101026-172da.html