Abstract

PIP: Since cervical mucus secretion and quality is of fundamental importance for the passage of spermatozoa through the cervical canal, a nonhormonal substance which would provoke a total coagulation of cervical mucus would provide a very secure barrier against the ascension of spermatozoa. The authors have investigated the possibility of modifying the physio-chemical composition of cervical mucus to make it impermeable to spermatozoa for contraceptive purposes. A very effective substance seems to be what is commonly called gallic tannin. Experimental research conducted in vitro has been very successful; this substance is antiseptic and nonirritating to the vaginal mucosa. Contraception with such a method would be totally safe and reversible. More studies and experiments are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of the substance in situ, its tolerance, acceptability, and duration of action.