Study on polymeric spermicides
Liu, X.N.
Sheng Zhi Yu Bi Yun 11(2): 39-43
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-357X PMID: 12317368 Document Number: 328653
The currently available spermicides have the disadvantage of high virginal absorbability and short protection time. The long term toxic effects could be a potential problem. This paper proposes research in developing a spermicide from a polymeric substance. Polymeric substances have the advantage of low absorbability which reduces side effects and prolongs protection time. In the experiment, polyethers polyesters, and polyacid were condensed and mixed with salt water to the desired concentration and viscosity. In 6% concentration of various polymeric solution, sperm activity became negative. The carboxyl group is shown to have better spermicidal effects. Under conditions of the same chemical structure, and the same concentration, higher viscosity has better spermicidal effects which shows the importance of molecule contents. The matching of polymeric base material and spermicide solution could also increase the spermicidal effects. The toxicity level carboxyl polymers are believed to be acceptable as they are widely used as food additives and in water treatment. The mechanisms of spermicides of the materials under research could be: 1) Polycarboxyl acid could reduce the calcium concentration which prevents the sperm movement. 2) The combination of polycarboxyl acid with protein may disrupt the functions of protein enzyme. 3) The viscosity of polymeric solution may prevent sperm from getting into the uterine cavity. Further research in polymeric substances and the carboxyl group could be a promising area for developing new kinds of spermicide in the future.