Study on Multipurpose, Reusable, Female Contraceptive Device for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Fertility Awareness Methods and Controls Stress Incontinence

Abstract

Introduction: The Fertility awareness method is the safest and the most cost-effective of all contraceptive options, yet it is the least prescribed by doctors and the least used by women. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is very prevalent among women of all ages, particularly menopausal women. There is a significant deficiency in women’s reproductive health needs: 1) Lack of options of non-hormonal contraceptive methods. 2) Fertility awareness method is the safest and yet it is rarely utilized. 3) Women suffer from Stress Incontinence silently. Objectives: To provide women with one device that can be used for 1) Contraception by stopping sperm from entering the cervix, 2) To enhance the effectiveness of Fertility Awareness Methods by accurately detecting ovulation day and 3) Control Stress Urinary Incontinence by supporting the bladder neck. Materials and Methods: We selected the FDA approved FemCap contraceptive device to determine its utility to fulfill the three basic reproductive health needs for women. 1) The FemCap is a safe and effective, time tested, barrier contraceptive device. 2) The FemCap can collect a large amount of fertile cervical mucous, that is not mixed with vaginal secretions. 3) The use of currently available pessaries have significant limitations such as displacement, erosion or even ulceration and urethral obstruction. The FemCap resembles the ring pessary with support in appearance. The FemCap's Rim is shaped and functions similarly to the pessary's ring, which supports the bladder neck. The urethra and vaginal anatomy are restored by the outward flared brim. The bowl of the FemCap supports the cervix and prevents it from descending, which is like the supported pessary. Results: Women using the FemCap identified their preovulatory cervical secretions in 96% of cases. They also verified their ovulation by a positive urinary L.H. surge (Luteinizing Hormone). The FemCap is a well-established barrier contraceptive device. It is also has proven in pilot studies to enhance the effectiveness of fertility awareness methods and control stress incontinence. Conclusion: It would be ideal and cost effective for women to acquire one multipurpose reusable device that can be used for contraception to enhance fertility awareness and to control stress incontinence.