Effective, Non-Hormonal Contraceptive That Blocks Ovulation

Safe and inexpensive, it can be administered as a pill, patch, or intra-vaginal ring

This female contraceptive blocks ovulation without the use of hormones. Although hormonal contraceptives are convenient and highly effective, the circulation of extra estrogen and progesterone throughout the body creates numerous unwanted side effects. For example, prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives decreases bone density, predisposing women to osteoporotic fractures as they age. Other side effects include weight gain, mood changes, decreased libido, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and sore or swollen breasts. Finally, female smokers over age 35 are advised against taking "the pill" or other types of hormonal birth control because of unacceptable cardiovascular risks. Researchers at the University of Florida have devised a contraceptive formula, composed of simple compounds, that avoids all the drawbacks of estrogen/progesterone options. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 98 percent of sexually active women will use at least one form of contraception during their lifetimes, illustrating this invention's tremendous market potential.

Application

A safe, hormone-free contraceptive that can be administered to women in various forms (including a pill, patch, or intra-vaginal ring)

Advantages

• Uses a non-hormone method of action with few potential side effects, leading to greater patient safety and compliance
• Long-term fertility may not be affected, allowing women greater control over family planning
• Safe for female smokers over 35 years of age, expanding the potential market
• Blocks ovulation and may have the advantage of delaying menopause, preserving women's eggs and perhaps allowing them to conceive at older ages
• Formula could be administered via several different routes, increasing the potential market by enhancing consumer comfort
• Inexpensive to produce, making it more profitable

Technology

Researchers at the University of Florida have devised a contraceptive formula composed of simple compounds. Existing hormonal birth control options function either by preventing fertilization of the ovum by sperm cells or inhibiting embryo implantation in the uterus. This unique contraceptive formula works differently: It increases the production of an ovarian master regulatory factor, effectively halting egg development and blocking ovulation.