CDRI scientists develop powerful spermicide

An important ingredient in most spermicides is Nonoxynol-9, or N9. Apart from killing sperm cells, N9 has also been found to have a toxic effect on vaginal bacteria which help in fighting infections, thereby increasing the risk of the users contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Now a team of scientists led by Dr Gopal Gupta at CDRI has come up with the new composition that is not only vastly more effective at killing sperms but is also less toxic.

8220;The preliminary results have been very promising,8221; said Dr Gupta. 8220;It might turn out to be a very effective drug.8221; The findings of the team have been reported in the current issue of the Oxford Journal.