Feminine intimate hygiene plants from Kinshasa / DR Congo: Potential source of contraceptive compounds

This study is part of the promotion of local medicinal plants by highlighting their spermicidal activity. An ethnobotanical survey carried out in Kinshasa made it possible to identify the plants used in female intimate hygiene. On the one hand, the aqueous extracts of the organs of ten (10) plants on the inventoried species were subjected to a phytochemical analysis. On the other hand, the recipes as applied by women as well as the total extracts of these plants have come into contact with human sperm. The analysis of the mobility and the evaluation of the viability of the sperm of the ejaculates, of good quality according to the WHO, were carried out according to the methods of Sander-Cramer and that of Williams, respectively. Thus, the concentration (EC100) capable of killing 100% of sperm within 30 minutes of exposure was detected. Thirty-eight (38) plant species have been identified. From thirteen sought-after phytochemical groups, extracts of Mangifera indica and Bridelia ferruginea contain twelve and eleven respectively. Four (4) groups of metabolic compounds with a contraceptive effect are present in all ten extracts of feminine hygiene plants. Three (3) herbal recipes (Abrus precatorius, Bridelia ferruginea and Ocimum basilicum) out of the ten studied resulted in the cancellation of sperm mobility after 3 hours of exposure. And, the EC100 is defined at 200 mg/mL for A. precatorius and 25 mg / mL for B. ferruginea. The results of this study show that feminine intimate hygiene plants contain compounds with spermicidal potential, which can be used for the development of vaginal contraceptives.

Socioeconomic development predicts a weaker contraceptive effect of breastfeeding

The contraceptive effect of breastfeeding remains essential to controlling fertility in many developing regions of the world. The extent to which this negative effect of breastfeeding on ovarian activity is sensitive to ecological conditions, notably maternal energetic status, has remained controversial. We assess the relationship between breastfeeding duration and postpartum amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation following a birth) in 17 World Fertility Surveys and 284 Demographic Health Surveys conducted between 1975 and 2019 in 84 low- and middle-income countries. We then analyze the resumption of menses in women during unsupplemented lactation. We find that a sharp weakening of the breastfeeding–postpartum amenorrhea relationship has globally occurred over the time period analyzed. The slope of the breastfeeding–postpartum amenorrhea relationship is negatively associated with development: higher values of the Human Development Index, urbanization, access to electricity, easier access to water, and education are predictive of a weaker association between breastfeeding and postpartum amenorrhea. Low parity also predicts shorter postpartum amenorrhea. The association between exclusive breastfeeding and maintenance of amenorrhea in the early postpartum period is also found in rapid decline in Asia and in moderate decline in sub-Saharan Africa. These findings indicate that the effect of breastfeeding on ovarian function is partly mediated by external factors that likely include negative maternal energy balance and support the notion that prolonged breastfeeding significantly helps control fertility only under harsh environmental conditions.

Safety and Benefits of Contraceptives Implants: A Systematic Review

Progestin-only contraceptive implants provide long-acting, highly effective reversible contraception. We searched the medical publications in PubMed, CENTRAL, and EMBASE for relevant articles on hormonal implants published in English between 1990 and 2021. Levonorgestrel (LNG) 6-capsule subdermal implants represented the first effective system approved for reversible contraception. The etonogestrel (ENG) single rod dispositive has been widely employed in clinical practice, since it is a highly effective and safe contraceptive method. Abnormal menstrual bleeding is a common ENG side effect, representing the main reason for its premature discontinuation. Emerging evidence demonstrated that it is possible to extend the use of the ENG implant beyond the three-year period for which it is approved. The ENG implant could be an effective and discrete alternative to the IUD in young girls, such as post-partum/post-abortion. Implants should be inserted by trained skilled clinicians who previously provide adequate counselling about their contraceptive effect, benefits, and any possible adverse events. More studies are needed to validate the extended use of the ENG implant for up to 5 years.

Metformin, the Rise of a New Medical Therapy for Endometriosis? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Medical treatments for endometriosis aim to control pain symptoms and stop progression of endometriotic lesions. However, their adverse effects and their contraceptive effect in women who desire pregnancy, limit their long terms use. Although there is only one study investigating the effects of metformin on women with endometriosis, metformin seems to have a unique therapeutic potential. It may be a helpful anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agent in the treatment of endometriosis. As such metformin may be more beneficial thanks to the lack of serious side effects.

Real clinical practice and contraception for young women with children

The review presents the psychosocial characteristics of young women in todays millennial generation and survey data regarding their hormonal contraceptive requirements. The results of randomized clinical trials and real-life studies of the use of the combined oral contraceptive (COC) Qlaira containing estradiol valerate and dienogest (E2V/DNG) in a dynamic dosing regimen were analyzed, in which the reliability of the contraceptive effect of the drug was identified and confirmed, the restoration of fertility was population level after drug withdrawal, its minimal effect on metabolism and a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications (venous and arterial thrombosis) when using Qlaira COC in comparison with other COCs. The absence of a negative effect of COC E2V/DNG on body weight, sexual function and vaginal microbiocenosis in most women has been proven. The data on satisfactory characteristics of menstrual bleeding (lighter and shorter) in users of Qlaira COC and a decrease in symptoms associated with a hormone-free interval, which often occur when taking other COCs in the 21/7 regimen, are presented. The favorable efficacy and safety profile of COC E2V/DNG in real conditions, the advantages of estrogen bioidentical to the endogenous, in the composition of the drug, the dosage regimen 26/2, the positive effect on the lifestyle, determine the significant satisfaction of young women, including young women with children, and the ability to use the drug for a long time until menopause.

Analysis of Histopathological and Ultrasonographic Testicular Changes Following Intra Testicular Administration of Zinc Gluconate and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Adult Dogs

Background: Escalating stray dog population is becoming a big problem worldwide. The chemical contraception is gaining more popularity because of its cost effectiveness, easy application and negligible complications. Methods: The present study was designed to analyze the contraceptive effect of intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine and chlorhexidine gluconate in twenty-four sexually mature male mongrel dogs divided into four groups viz I, II, III and IV each of six animals. Groups I, II and III were treated with zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine, 5% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, respectively and group IV were kept as control. The testicular biopsy samples were collected on day 0 and 30 using 16-gauge biopsy gun. The ultrasonographic examination of testes was done on day 0, 5, 15, 24 and 30. Result: The noteworthy microscopic changes at day 30 such as irregular basement membranes with severe depletion of both germinal and sertoli cells were observed in all the treatment groups. The ultrasonography revealed degenerated testicles and significant diminution in the testicular length by day 30 in all the treatment groups. Thus, intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine, 5% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate may be used for chemical contraception in dogs.