New Contraceptive in making: Sperm-blocking vaginal gel

Scientists are developing a new contraceptive that is soon going to revolutionise the contraception market. This time contraception comes in the form of a sperm-blocking vaginal gel

A gel that is applied inside the vagina has been shown to block sperm injected into female sheep

If proven effective in humans this will be big alternative to various hormone-based pills and IUDs that are inserted into women

The gel contains chitosan, a biopolymer that is derived from fungus or crab shells. The chitosan forms cross-links with proteins that are secreted in cervical mucus. This thickens the mucus so that it blocks sperm from getting past the cervix and into the fallopian tubes, where egg fertilisation occurs.

The researchers used a syringe applicator to insert the gel towards the backs of the vaginas of sheep, which are similar to those in humans. An hour later, they artificially inseminated each of the eight sheep tested with 1 billion sperm.

More studies are being performed in sheep to test whether the barrier created by the gel stays intact during sexual intercourse and prevents pregnancies.

This would be followed by Human trials to determine how long before sex the gel should be inserted into the vagina and how long any protection would last.