Women's Health Research Newsletter
October 2004

Non-hormonal contraception

Condoms. Diaphragms. Cervical caps. For women seeking non-hormonal contraceptive methods, these used to be the types of choices available. However, new advances in research and ways of thinking are helping to expand the range of options in this area. New research regarding vaginal spermicides is one such example. In addition to the prevention of pregnancy, early findings suggest that they may also help prevent the transmission of certain sexually transmitted diseases.

There is documentation to support the fact that spermicides have been used by women for the prevention of pregnancy since 1850 BC (this early method consisted of a combination of crocodile feces and fermented dough—research has come a long way). Since the 1950s, the most commonly used spermicide has been Nonoxynol-9. Unfortunately, properties of Nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of vaginal irritation; a particular concern for women at risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Yet spermicides, in theory, remain an attractive method to women due to the fact that they are reversible, inexpensive, easy to use, and cause minimal side effects, especially when compared with hormonal methods, such as the contraceptive pill. Current research is now hoping to bridge the gap between a woman's desire for such a method, and its efficacy and safety.

In 1999, Jacqueline Darroch and Jennifer Frost surveyed 1,000 women from varying demographic, economic, and social backgrounds, and found that 93% of respondents would be interested in using a spermicide as a method if they thought it would help prevent the risk of a sexually transmitted disease (Family Planning Perspectives, Volume 31, Number 1, January/ February, 1999, pg. 18). From their published data, they strongly encouraged the medical research community to examine ways in which to develop a new spermicide, that would aid with not only the prevention of pregnancy, but disease prevention. This sentiment was echoed in 1994 in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (Woodsong, Volume 36, Number 3, May/ June 2004).

The Women's Health Research Unit at Oregon Health & Science University is currently conducting a study investigating non-hormonal contraception. For information about this study, or other studies currently conducted at the Women's Health Research Unit, please call 503 494-3666 to find out about eligibility requirements, or log on to www.ohsuwomenshealth.com/research/current.html.

Heidi P. Milliken, Ph.D., Division Manager
Andrea O'Donnell, R.N., F.N.P., Senior Research Associate
Marci Messerle Forbes, R.N., F.N.P., Senior Research Associate