2023-05-30 07:36:00
The idea of a vaccine that can act like a birth control pill may come as a surprise. Yet, this crazy project is under development.
If it prevents pregnancy, contraception remains a divisive topic. Indeed, many women refuse to use hormonal contraceptives because they cause many side effects. Among the discomforts caused by the pill are headaches, weight gain and increased risk of certain cancers.
Other contraceptive methods exist such as the implant, the female condom or the IUD. But despite this offer, about 25% of French women do not use contraception. However, options like male contraception could be a game-changer. One of them is making a lot of noise: a vaccine offering protection similar to “classic” alternatives.
Already mentioned in the 1970s, this vaccine has been developed and tested for more than 50 years. But would it really be effective and what are its advantages over hormonal contraception?
A reversible treatment, not very restrictive and without side effects
You should know that the idea of injecting a vaccine to limit pregnancies is not new. Indeed, it is for example used on certain animals to avoid overpopulation. Moreover, the effect of the fat-blocking vaccine even has a name: l‘immunocontraception.
Its operation as well as its advantages have been presented in detail in an article in The Atlantic newspaper. Concretely, the injection comprises a vaccine which must target a specific hormone. This is produced during fertilization and is necessary for the proper development of the fertilized embryo. The aim of the vaccine is therefore to cancel the effects of this hormone and thus prevent any pregnancy.
Beyond its targeted action, this method of contraception could be revolutionary because it is less aggressive for women. Indeed, it only requires 3 initial doses and then a booster every year. It does not affect the menstrual cycle, is reversible if the woman wishes to become pregnant and does not cause any hormonal side effects.
When will this vaccine be offered to women?
Currently it is still in the testing phase on female volunteers. However, it has been shown that its effectiveness may vary between women. About 20% of them did not present a sufficient immune response: there is therefore a risk of pregnancy. However, the protocol in force implies an effectiveness of 99% to be able to offer this method of contraception to the general public.
However, during clinical trials, researchers discovered that this vaccine would also effective in the treatment of certain advanced stage cancers. Nevertheless, the question of the use of such a treatment to avoid fat is debated. Getting pregnant is not a disease, and it is therefore possible that for this reason the vaccine will not be used for this purpose in the end.
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