Abstract

PIP: The immobilizing process, as observed under the microscope, is a lab oratory method of comparing contraceptives. It was found that the resis tance of spermatozoa to spermicides varies with the donor and with diffe rent ejaculations from the same donor. Jellies and creams were tested. Human semen from 25 donors was collected in glass vials and kept at room temperature, with occasional stirring. Measuring was done by Vogue's method in a capillary tube. Each test could be made with only .04 ml of semen. Tests at room temperature were found to give the same results as those done at 37 degrees C. Diluents for the jellies to be tested were egg white, 5% dextrose, .85% sodium chloride, or buffered glucose and saline. Times for immobilization were much longer for egg white but other diluents gave similar results. Mixtures of jelly and semen were placed on slides and viewed by dark-field illumination to observe spermatozoal motility. Of 10 contraceptives tested, Ortho-Gynol was found to be the most rapidly acting, followed by Cooper Creme, Lactikol- B, Vagi-Serol, Marvosan, Clinicol, Jelly-X, Bor-Oxyquin, Cellikol, and Lanteen Blue Jelly in that order. The ability to form an obstruction at the external os was not determined but was considered important. The chemical formula of each compound, as given by the manufacturer, is shown. Oxyquinoline sulfate is the active ingredient in several. Resistance of spermatozoa to spermicides was found to decrease at an average rate of 10-30%/hour during the early hours. Therefore, spermicidal tests must be done simultaneously as well as with portions of the same ejaculate.