A contraceptive pill that could be routinely used after sex, rather than prior, is not only likely scientifically feasible, but would pose a number of advantages, according to a new study.
Published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, the report describes a "post-fertilization" contraceptive device distinct from emergency contraception, which has to be used within 72 hours.
The method could be used far longer after sex, for example, serving a wider number of women than are currently able to access emergency contraceptives. It would also be more convenient, potentially allowing a woman to use it just once during the menstrual cycle regardless of the number of times she has engaged in sex.
"Importantly, post-fertilisation methods would eliminate the conceptual and logistical challenge of needing to obtain and initiate contraception before having sex, which can be daunting for both women and men," the authors write.
According to the study's authors, technical difficulties would have to be overcome, including determining whether some current drugs designed to disrupt pregnancy either before or after implantation would work if used in this way. Either way, the scientists argue that the resources are in place to make the medication a reality in coming years.
"Multidisciplinary research may be needed to define the best option, but given our rapidly increasing understanding of reproductive physiology, ultimate success seems likely," they write
Instead, the researchers cite political -- not scientific -- hurdles as the largest obstacle that would need to be overcome before such a pill could be made a reality. This is especially true since both the UK and US governments define pregnancy as beginning with the implantation of the fertilized egg and that anything designed to disrupt the process after that "is abortion by any definition."
However, as lead author Elizabeth Raymond, senior medical associate at Gynuity Health Projects, stated in a podcast that accompanied the study's release: "[Post-fertilisation] contraception doesn't have to be acceptable to every woman. No method is acceptable to every woman now."