Antifertility Agent

Name:
Antifertility Agent
Detailed information:
A synthetic steroid sex hormone of the type normally produced by the body during pregnancy. Said to act by simulating the conditions of pregnancy and thus suppressing ovulation, which automatically prevents conception. The hormones used are basically of two kinds: (1) progestin (synthetic progesterone) and (2) synthetic estrogen. There are also several other derivatives, all of which are much stronger than natural progesterone and estrogen when taken orally. The chemical modifications are necessary for oral potency. Injectable contraceptives that remain effective over much longer periods than the oral type are also available. The active ingredient is medoxyprogesterone acetate. Experimental work is also being done with N,N′-octaethylenediamine bis(dichloroacetamide) (“Fertilysin”). An estrogen-free type is available in England (chloromadinone acetate); it is said to be less effective, but with less tendency to cause blood clotting than estrogenic types.

Hazard:

FDA requires that oral contraceptives carry a label warning of the tendency of these agents to form blood clots. There is also a possibility that they have other adverse side effects. Note: Proteins and peptides that act as enzyme inhibitors have been identified in the semen of some mammals.