Local drug application as third method of contraception. Results of a trial

The intra-vaginal spermicide dimethyl-alkyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride, which has been studied in France by Jacques Bonhomme following the work of Gazave and Chatain, has given a level of efficiency comparable to that of IUDs. This is a study of 135 women who used this product in the form of a vaginal suppository throughout a total of 1192 menstrual cycles, and it shows a nearly 100% success rate, corresponding to that obtained with oral contraceptives. Contraception with these spermicidal suppositories appeared to the authors to be particularly appreciated by young girls and by older women in the post-partum period, but it could well be acceptable as a general contraceptive measure for all sexually active women. There appeared to be no contra-indication except, and that only rarely, a psychological objection. It would be useful to draw the attention of women to this means of contraception which has no complications, is easily prescribed, though it must be treated with respect, and which has given as good results, allowing for the education factor, for both patients and doctors.