New compounds that kill sperm

Scientists in India have discovered a new sperm-killing compound 25 times higher than current drugs, opening a breakthrough for new contraceptives for women.

Disadvantages of today's spermicide

So far, Nonoxynol-9 (N9) is the most important ingredient in spermicides in the form of gels, creams and sprays. In fact, N9 is a detergent that can kill almost all living cells by breaking down fat in the cell membrane, just as the detergent effect removes grease from clothing. when washing.

But at the same time as killing sperm, N9 also kills some bacteria that are usually in the vagina - bacteria that help protect the vaginal environment, preventing infection in the urinary system - genitalia caused by infections and fungi.

Moreover, N9 can stimulate vaginal and cervical cells in some women, making these women more likely to be infected with HIV and gonorrhea through the genital tract.

Newly discovered compounds are 25 times more effective than current spermicides.In the picture: Put spermicides into the vagina.(Photo: Softpedia)

N9-containing drugs are pumped into the vagina before intercourse, but if only this drug is used, the contraceptive effect will be low, with an average annual failure rate of 18%. Therefore, this drug is often used in combination with other methods of contraception such as condoms, IUDs and cervical caps.

Meanwhile, other chemicals are less safe and also less effective, namely octoxynol-9, menfegol, benzalkonium chloride and sodium cholate.

High efficiency, no side effects

To overcome the above limitations, a research group of the Central Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (CDRI) in Lucknow, India, has successfully developed a new compound, which contains two molecules of attack proteins sperm cells by clinging to the sperm membrane, thereby killing sperm in a predetermined sequence.

The compound containing these two molecules is not only 25 times more effective at killing sperm than current drugs, but also does not irritate vaginal cells nor does it create any other side effects. .

Explaining the remarkable advantages of this compound, Dr. Gopal Gupta, CDRI's reproductive biologist and the research leader, said: 'In human trials, this compound has been consumed. kill 100% of sperm when used in doses equal to 4% of the amount that N9 needs to produce a similar result. Moreover, this compound is not harmful to cervical cells and beneficial vaginal bacteria.

Dr Gupta said excitedly: 'Initial results suggest that this compound could be used to produce a new, very effective spermicide.'

This research has just been introduced in the latest edition of Oxford Journal.

Minh Quang