Newer safer birth control on the horizon

Researchers have uncovered a new contraceptive that is more focused, safer and available for use among a larger population of women. Coming out of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)the findings are published in the journal Endocrinology.

It’s not secret that today’s birth control methods are nothing new. Many were developed decades ago and have simply been refined. The contraceptive pill was approved by the FDA in 1961. The pill works by introducing hormones which artificially suppress ovulation.

“While the method works, it has its downsides,” explains Oregon National Primate Research Center scientist Jon Hennebold, PhD. “The biggest concern is that by boosting hormone levels, this contraceptive method affects systems throughout a woman’s body. Therefore, there are some risks associated with current contraceptive methods, primarily cardiovascular disease.”

Another problem is that the pill is a pain to take. Daily doses which can’t be missed. And after all that, it may only be 80-90% effective.

The new contraceptive the group is working on is not hormonally based. And it focuses on mechanisms that directly result in the release of an egg. The new method targets enzymes which can prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. The next step for the researchers is to determine the delivery method of such a drug and the timetable of administration.

Animal research has shown that the enzyme approach works, preventing ovulation in primates.

“Our hope is that the next generation of birth control is more targeted and has a higher effectiveness level,” added Hennebold. “Much more work is necessary to further our proposed solution, but we believe that better, safer contraceptive methods are possible.”

Source: OHSU, MedicalNewsToday