BACKGROUND Over-the-counter (OTC) feminine hygiene products come with little warning about possible side effects. This study evaluates in-vitro their effects on Lactobacillus crispatus, which is dominant in the normal vaginal microbiota and helps maintain a healthy mucosal barrier essential for normal reproductive function and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and gynecologic cancer...

Unlike somatic cells, sperm have several-fold more available-thiols that are susceptible to redox-active agents. The present study explains the mechanism behind the instant sperm-immobilizing and trichomonacidal activities of pyrrolidinium pyrrolidine-1-carbodithioate (PPC), a novel thiol agent rationally created for prophylactic contraception by minor chemical modifications of some known thiol...

Contraception is a method or way to stop prevent pregnancy. Since from ancient times birth control has its prevalence but the safest and most efficient methods of contraception was only introduced in 20th century. An ideal contraceptive considered when it user-friendly, effective reversible with less zero side effects lesser adverse complications more importantly one which easily available. The...

All interactions of microorganisms with their environment are surface phenomena, and therewith involve the properties of the microbial cell surface [1] and its possible disguise or hidden identity by an altered appearance. Since appearance is what one initially sees upon first encounter, a disguise always refers to surface properties, like cloths for people and hydrophobicity or charge for micr...

Vaginal colonisation with E. coli appears to be an important prerequisite for the development of UTI. Whereas colonisation with P fimbriated strains has been clearly shown to predispose to pyelonephritis, virulence factors which predispose to cystitis have not been so clearly identified. Several host genetic and behavioural factors have been found to be associated with increased colonisation wi...

With growing recognition of the potential value of microbicides for HIV/STI prevention, the importance of the acceptability of this brand-new technology has been widely acknowledged. We review the current body of microbicide acceptability research, characterize the limitations in assessment approaches, and suggest strategies for improvement. Electronic databases and abstracts of recent meetings...

There is an urgent need to develop safe, effective dual-purpose contraceptive agents that combine the prevention of pregnancy with protection against sexually transmitted disease. Here we report the identification of a group of compounds that on contact with human spermatozoa induce a state of ‘spermostasis’, characterized by the extremely rapid inhibition of sperm movement without compromising...

In Mali, the low utilization of reproductive health services in general and family planning (FP) particular contributes strongly to illnesses or deaths women during and/or after childbirth children under age one year. This situation is, among other things, logical consequence harmful practices, including closely spaced pregnancies, early clandestine abortions, access difficulties lack adequate ...

Abstract Study question Is there an embryotoxic cumulative effect resulting from IVF plastic consumables (PC) when used sequentially under clinical routine practice? Summary answer Reduced blastulation rates and slow development were detected in some associations of PC evaluated by the Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) suggesting possible embryotoxicity. What is known already Recommendations European (E...