There are different ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy, but each has its own disadvantages. Scientists are actively working on the creation of a new generation of contraceptives that take into account all the shortcomings of existing means.
Scientists are actively working on the creation of the most effective contraceptives, which will provide good protection and at the same time not affect the sexual pleasure of both partners. Now in the development there are several unique tools that will soon be allowed to mass production. Let's get acquainted with them in advance.
1. Short-term hormonal contraceptive
At the moment, condoms are the most popular means for single use, but their leadership positions may soon be shaken. Scientists are working on the creation of vaginal gels, which contain a number of hormones. They will need to be administered a few hours before sexual intercourse or used as an emergency contraceptive. There are also versions that such gels when used just before ovulation can stop it. Scientists still need a lot of time to determine the consequences of such funds and their safety, but the idea is excellent.
2. Contraceptive vaccines
At the moment, the solution is being developed, which will be injected into the body. Its main goal is to influence the hormone FSH in men and hCG in women. The vaccine should last for a year. Studies continue, as scientists are still worried about the occurrence of side effects, for example, autoimmune diseases and allergies.
3. New type of contraceptive ring
The contraceptive ring "NuvaRing" is already available on the market, which operates for a month. The goal of scientists is to create a new variant that will protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy throughout the year. The ring is small (diameter about 6 cm) and bends well, so it can be installed independently.
4. A new version of a vasectomy
One type of contraception for men implies complete sterilization, for which the seminal ducts are blocked. Scientists are working to create temporary "barriers". In the channels plan to place a polymer, which later, if the man wishes to become a father, can be removed.
5. Advanced condom
Many men complain that when using condoms they feel some discomfort. To address this shortcoming, the latest development, the origami-condom, was proposed. Its main feature is that it is packed with an accordion in the package, so it will not fit tightly to the penis, thus minimizing unpleasant sensations. It is worth mentioning one more development - a condom made of hydrogel, which is as close as possible to tactile sensations to the skin, but it is dense, which excludes the breakage of the condom.
6. Soluble implants
This is a novelty in the women's contraception market, which is a small stick. It is injected under the skin of a woman, and the hormone progestin begins to release from it, which stops fertilization by thickening the cervical mucus and preventing ovulation. If the woman wants to become pregnant, the implant is easily removed. Scientists are now actively working on biodegradable implants that will dissolve over a period of time.
7. Pills for stopping ejaculation
London doctors drew attention to the fact that some drugs for blood pressure have a contraceptive effect. Their action is to block the muscle contractions that are important for the movement of sperm through the male reproductive system. Drugs of the new generation will be able to block the release of sperm, but while the man will feel orgasm. Studies are conducted to create a tablet that is effective three hours after ingestion and is gradually eliminated from the body.
8. Thermal contraception
Since ancient times, it is known that the effect of heat affects the production of sperm and this topic interested scientists who are working to create a new contraceptive for men. Now they are exploring hot pillows, rugs and ultrasound to test their effectiveness and safety. In addition, experiments are conducted to determine if heat will cause infection and cancer.
9. Hormonal gel
Scientists of a non-profit organization are working on the creation of a gel intended for external use. It will contain synthetic hormones, corresponding to oral contraceptives: progestin, estrogen, estradiol and others. The hormone gel will need to be applied to the skin of the abdomen of a woman once a day. At the moment, only 18 women were tested, and they lasted three weeks. As a result, it was possible to establish that the drug suppresses ovulation, but it remains to be convinced of the safety and absolute effectiveness of the new contraceptive.
10. The new generation of diaphragms
First, let's analyze what a diaphragm is. It is a soft domed cap that the woman places in the vagina to cover the cervix. Soon, the market will be a single-size diaphragm BufferGel Duet, which will be made of polyurethane. In the dome will be a drug that acts as a microbicide and spermicide. Another clinical trial of the silicone diaphragm SILCS.
11. Contraceptive sprays
In the development are aerosols, which will have a contraceptive effect. The composition of the spray will be a progestogen-type additive. It will be necessary to apply it every day on the forearm, from where it will be absorbed into the blood. Experiments have shown that, unlike tablets, the spray has fewer side effects.
12. Birth control pills for men
Scientists have been working for more than one year to create tablets that will stop the production of sperm due to the presence of testosterone or progesterone. After the tablets have undergone all clinical studies, hormonal contraceptives will be developed in the form of a patch, gel, implants and injections.