For women who are sick of their current contraception, there may be an alternative method of contraception on the horizon: a simple pair of earrings.
Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a pair of contraceptive earrings designed to transfer hormones through the skin into the bloodstream and protect against pregnancy. Yes, really.
We’re unsure if we’d be more likely to remember to put on a pair of earrings than take the pill, but any investment to give women more contraceptive options gets the thumbs up in our book.
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The earrings are in the early stages of development and are yet to be tested on humans; so far pigs and hairless rats have sampled the bling.
Test patches, which measured about one square centimetre and contained the hormone levonorgestrel, were mounted on earring backs and applied to the skin.
To simulate removal of the earrings during sleep, the researchers applied the patches for 16 hours, then removed them for eight hours. Once in the skin, the drug can move into the bloodstream and circulate through the body.
The results showed that even though levels dropped while the earrings were removed, the patch could produce necessary amounts of the hormone in the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
If the technique is used for contraception in humans, the earring back would need to be changed periodically, perhaps on a weekly basis, the scientists said.
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“The more contraceptive options that are available, the more likely it is that the needs of individual women can be met,” the researchers said.
“Because putting on jewellery may already be part of a woman’s daily routine, this technique may facilitate compliance with the drug regimen. This technique could more effectively empower some women to prevent unintended pregnancies.”
They added that the earring backs could potentially be available separately and then worn with various different earrings of a woman’s choice.
In time, they believe other forms of medication could be successfully delivered via jewellery.