Alternative to the Pill Has No Side Effects

Non-hormonal patch would block protein key to conception
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:47 PM CDT
Alternative to the Pill Has No Side Effects
Scientists are developing a new genetic contraceptive patch that would be free from side effects. (AP Graphic)   (Associated Press)

Contraception without the nausea, headaches, mood swings, weight gain, or heart attacks? Scientists are developing a non-hormonal patch that would side-step the side effects associated with the Pill by simply blocking a protein that allows sperm to bond with egg, the Telegraph reports. But don’t get too excited—it could take a decade to develop.

“Obviously it is going to take a lot of time, but the need is there,” said one researcher, noting that contraceptives haven’t changed much since the 1950s. The patch switches off  a gene vital to conception, without affecting future conception. It won’t regulate periods, “but for women who use the Pill just as a contraceptive, a non-hormonal approach would be wonderful,” he said. (More birth control stories.)

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