A new contraceptive gel that is applied directly to the skin could offer women an alternative to the pill, a study suggests.
The clear gel is put on once a day and delivers a dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy. Women using the gel have reported none of the typical side effects associated with the pill, such as weight gain and acne.
It is suitable for breastfeeding women, who are often warned not to take the combined pill because its hormone levels interfere with milk supply.
The gel can be applied to the abdomen, thighs, arms or shoulders and is quickly absorbed, with no residue. Experts hope to bring it to market if clinical trial results continue to be positive.
Dr Ruth Merkatz, director of clinical development of reproductive health at the not-for-profit Population Council research centre in New York, led the latest study on the gel, which involved 18 women in their 20s to 30s.
Over the course of seven months, none of the women fell pregnant and the gel had “very high acceptability”, she said.
The research found the optimum dose was 3mg a day. “They only need to use a small quantity, once a day,” Merkatz said. “From this small study we found it was effective.”
Merkatz, who is presenting the findings at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, said the gel could enhance women’s choices. “It is really helpful to have different ways of administering contraception.”
The key drug in the gel is Nestorone, a new type of progesterone. The product also contains a type of oestrogen that is chemically identical to the oestrogen produced by a woman’s body. Both these hormones play an important role in pregnancy and the gel works by interfering with their normal patterns of production.
Merkatz said Nestorone does not appear to have any of the negative effects seen in oral contraceptives, such as weight gain. “This could be a reason why women might choose it,” she said. “It’s in early-stage development but if we move on, we will obviously test it in many, many more women.”
Natika Halil, director of information at the Family Planning Association, said: “Any contraceptive system that increases the choice of methods available to women and helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies is welcome.
“Our research shows there are approximately 2 million women using a contraceptive method that they are unhappy with, so they will benefit from improved choices and options. This product won’t suit everyone and will only be for women comfortable putting it on their skin and having their contraceptive cover that way.”
Simon Blake, chief executive of the sexual health charity Brook, said: “Obviously this is still in the very early stages of development but anything that can help young women has got to be a good thing. Clearly what young women need is more choice.”
The drug is being developed with the drug firm Antares Pharma. More than 3 million women in the UK use the pill, making it the most popular form of contraception for women.
The Guardian UK