The FDA approved ‘The pill’ in 1961 that is known to prevent conception by increasing hormone levels. More recently, Oregon Health & Science University scientists have apparently discovered a new contraceptive that targets objectively, is safer and thus available for substantial number of women.
High hormone levels impede the normal course of menstrual cycle affecting women’s bodily mechanisms. Also ‘The pill’ necessitates the user to adhere to routine medication schedules that apparently result in just 80 to 90% efficacy.
“While the method works, it has its downsides. 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,” remarked ONPRC scientist Jon Hennebold, Ph.D.
Comparatively, the contraceptive that OHSU scientists are developing doesn’t seem to be hormonal and aims at systems which directly contribute to the release of an egg. It focuses on the basic enzymes working in this process. To comprehend it further, the scientists observed the rhesus macaque monkeys that are known to have reproductive system similar to humans.
The outcomes showed that targeting these enzymes may prohibit the release of an egg from the ovary. The team is now planning to gauge the delivery techniques and the medication procedure. Hennebold concluded that the next generation birth control drugs ought to be much more objective and effective.
The findings are published online in the journal Endocrinology.