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Review
. 2020 Jul;48(7):2113-2131.
doi: 10.1007/s10439-019-02402-1. Epub 2019 Nov 7.

Biomaterials and Contraception: Promises and Pitfalls

Isabella Claure  1 , Deborah Anderson  2   3 , Catherine M Klapperich  1   4   5 , Wendy Kuohung  2 , Joyce Y Wong  6   7
Affiliations
Review

Biomaterials and Contraception: Promises and Pitfalls

Isabella Claure et al. Ann Biomed Eng. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

The present state of reproductive and sexual health around the world reveals disparities in contraceptive use and effectiveness. Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection transmission rates remain high even with current prevention methods. The 20th century saw a contraceptive revolution with biomedical innovation driving the success of new contraceptive technologies with central design concepts and materials. Current modalities can be broadly categorized according to their mode of function: reversible methods such as physical/chemical barriers or hormonal delivery devices via systemic (transdermal and subcutaneous) or localized (intrauterine and intravaginal) administration, and nonreversible sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation and vasectomy. Contraceptive biomaterials are at present dominated by well-characterized elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane and ethylene vinyl acetate due to their favorable material properties and versatility. Contraceptives alter the normal function of cellular components in the reproductive systems to impair fertility. The purpose of this review is to highlight the bioengineering design of existing methods, explore novel adaptations, and address notable shortcomings in current contraceptive technologies.

Keywords: Barrier technologies; Bioengineering design; Hormonal delivery devices; Reproductive health; STI prevention.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Female Reproductive Tract showing points of contraceptive intervention
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hormone levels during the Menstrual Cycle. Work by Mikael Häggström is licensed under CC BY: 4.0
Figure 3
Figure 3
Hormone Delivery Design for Short-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (SARCs) (A) Matrix Adhesive Patch (B) Matrix (left) and Shell (right) Rings
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic of typical Hormone Reservoir Delivery Design for LARCs. Front (Left) and Top (Right) Views
Figure 5
Figure 5
Mechanisms of contraceptive device failure
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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