A pre-coital pill? A preliminary in vitro study

Br J Fam Plann. 2000 Jul;26(3):165-6. doi: 10.1783/147118900101194418.

Abstract

The use of the progestogen-only pill as a 'pre-coital contraceptive' was tested by in vitro studies of sperm-mucus interaction. The results suggest that a single tablet of levonorgestrel 30 microg, or norethisterone 350 microg, was effective in preventing sperm migration in the cervical mucus about 12 hours later. This suggests that the progestogen-only pill may be effective as a 'morning before pill'.

MeSH terms

  • Cervix Mucus / drug effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / drug effects
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage
  • Levonorgestrel / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Norethindrone / administration & dosage
  • Norethindrone / pharmacology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Norethindrone