A groundbreaking study conducted by a collaborative research team has revealed an innovative approach to enhance the effectiveness of the morning-after pill (oral emergency contraceptive pill).
By adding an anti-inflammatory painkiller typically used for arthritis pain to the contraceptive, the research aims to reduce unintended pregnancies. The study’s results were published in The Lancet.
The Need for Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception plays a crucial role in preventing unintended pregnancies when regular contraceptive methods fail or aren’t used.
It can take the form of an oral emergency contraceptive pill or the insertion of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (Cu-IUD). The oral levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill is a widely chosen option globally.
However, all contraceptive methods have a certain failure rate, prompting researchers to explore more effective alternatives.
Targeting Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are naturally occurring substances in the human body that regulate various biological processes, including inflammatory responses.
In the reproductive system, prostaglandins play a vital role in processes such as ovulation, fertilization, and embryo implantation.
The research team hypothesized that adding a medication capable of blocking prostaglandin synthesis might have a complementary effect in contraception.
Combining Piroxicam with Levonorgestrel
The research team conducted the world’s first randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the use of piroxicam, a long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage arthritis pain.
This drug effectively inhibits prostaglandin production in the body when combined with the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill.
Astonishingly, the results demonstrated that only one out of 418 women who received the new combination regimen became pregnant, compared to seven out of 418 women who received levonorgestrel along with a placebo.
Enhanced Pregnancy Prevention
The study’s findings revealed that the addition of piroxicam to the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill significantly increased the percentage of prevented pregnancies, reaching an impressive 94.7%.
In contrast, the levonorgestrel pill alone prevented pregnancy in 63.4% of cases. Importantly, there were no significant differences in adverse effects, including alterations in menstrual bleeding patterns and stomach discomfort between the two regimens.
Implications and Future Research
Dr. Raymond Li Hang-wun, the chief investigator from HKUMed, highlighted the significance of these findings.
He noted that this study is the first to show that taking piroxicam, an easily accessible medication, concurrently with the levonorgestrel pill can prevent more pregnancies compared to using levonorgestrel alone.
The hope is that these results will pave the way for further research and potential changes in clinical guidelines to provide women worldwide with more effective emergency contraception options.
Dr. Sue Lo Seen-tsing, co-investigator from FPAHK, emphasized the importance of contraceptive counseling and follow-up care.
While emergency contraceptives like levonorgestrel can be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, they cannot replace regular contraceptives.
Therefore, educating women about the importance of regular contraception and the need for follow-up visits remains essential in the prevention of unintended pregnancies.
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The research findings can be found in The Lancet.
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