SILCS diaphragm: Postcoital testing of a new single-size contraceptive diaphragm (vol 107, pg 12S, 2006)
Schwartz, J.L.; Mauck, C.K.; Rountree, R.W.; Ballagh, S.A.; Creinin, M.D.; Kilbourne-Brook, M.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 107(6): 1425-1426
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 Document Number: 582035
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a new, single-size silicone contraceptive diaphragm developed by PATH used with either spermicide (2% N-9) or K-Y jelly to prevent sperm from penetrating midcycle cervical mucus.METHODS: A crossover postcoital testing in 33 healthy, sexually active women not at risk for pregnancy due to previous bilateral tubal ligation or salpingectomy was conducted at Eastern Virginia Medical School and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. First, a baseline postcoital testing was performed without a device to verify normal measures. Qualified participants underwent up to 2 test cycles using the SILCS diaphragm (metal spring) with either N-9 or K-Y jelly (order randomized). Some participants underwent a third test cycle using the SILCS diaphragm (polymer spring) with N-9. Cycles were completed as follows: baseline (15), SILCS diaphragm (metal spring) with N-9 (13), SILCS diaphragm (metal spring) with K-Y jelly (12), and SILCS diaphragm (polymer spring) with N-9 (8).RESULTS: The SILCS diaphragm (metal or polymer spring) with N-9 reduced the average number of progressively motile sperm per high power field from a baseline of 12.5 to 0. The SILCS diaphragm (metal spring) with K-Y jelly reduced the number of progressively motile sperm per high power field to 0.5.CONCLUSION: Results from this most recent postcoital testing indicate that the current SILCS diaphragm design with the polymer spring and used with N-9 performed well and is acceptable for contraceptive effectiveness testing. The less expensive polymer spring, which is easier to manufacture, will replace the metal spring found in standard diaphragms.