Implantable contraceptive devices have been discussed on this blog here. One problem with these devices is that for women who want to come off the devices they must be surgically removed.
A new device created by MicroCHIPS hopes to change that. This device, currently in pre-market saftey and efficacy trials, is theoretically able to have the same contraceptive efficacy as conventional implants. What makes it exciting is it can last for 16 years (most current implants have a 5 year turn around) and most importantly it can be turned on and off using radio waves.
This small device (20x20x7mm) is implanted in the armpit, abdomen or buttock. From here it is able to secrete levonorgestrel, at 30mg/day (a drug currently used in contraceptive devices to prevent pregnancy). It holds the levonorgestrel in small reservoirs surrounded by thin membranes. These membranes are melted by electrical currents resulting in the release of the dose of levonorgrestel into the body.
By turning this signal on and off through a remote control the drug can be stopped or started whenever the woman sees fit, assumedly by her GP.
This would allow women more control over their sexual health. Specifically it would make the decision to become (or not become) pregnant easier, they would not have to visit an outpatient clinic to start trying.
Obviously it's early days but this is another development we will keep our eye on.
This small device (20x20x7mm) is implanted in the armpit, abdomen or buttock. From here it is able to secrete levonorgestrel, at 30mg/day (a drug currently used in contraceptive devices to prevent pregnancy). It holds the levonorgestrel in small reservoirs surrounded by thin membranes. These membranes are melted by electrical currents resulting in the release of the dose of levonorgrestel into the body.
By turning this signal on and off through a remote control the drug can be stopped or started whenever the woman sees fit, assumedly by her GP.
This would allow women more control over their sexual health. Specifically it would make the decision to become (or not become) pregnant easier, they would not have to visit an outpatient clinic to start trying.
Obviously it's early days but this is another development we will keep our eye on.
No comments:
Post a Comment