Newswise — The UC Davis Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is recruiting potential participants from the ages of 18 to 40 for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) -funded pivotal trial of an investigational hormone-free monthly intravaginal contraception. The device, called Ovapreneâ , is a silicone ring with a tightly woven material across the middle that contains substances that interfere with sperm movement. Ovaprene is inserted into the vagina at the end of menses and worn until the beginning of the next menstrual cycle.
If approved, Ovaprene would be the first hormone-free monthly intravaginal birth control designed for sustained use, potentially reducing user errors that can lead to unwanted pregnancies. “It’s a hormone-free birth control that is inserted once monthly and doesn’t require placement with every act of intercourse,” said Obstetrics and Gynecology physician Mitchell Creinin, who is leading the study at UC Davis. “Condoms are the most commonly used barrier method in the U.
S. Condoms and other barrier methods, like diaphragms and cervical caps, are used at the time of intercourse. But Ovaprene is a first of its kind hormone-free method that is designed to stay in place and work continuously throughout the menstrual cycle.
” Healthy, heterosexual, sexually-active people who are not desiring pregnancy over the 12-month duration of this study can learn more about taking part in the trial at UC Davis Health Studypages and take a brief online s.
