ABSTRACT
PIP: The contraceptive effect of local application of Lugol's solution (5% elemental iodine and 10% potassium iodide in aqueous solution) to the uterine cavity was evaluated in rats, 1 monkey and humans. 18 experimental rats received .1 ml Lugol's solution injected into the left uterine horn to cover the entire cavity; 2 received .05 ml solution covering two-thirds of the left uterine horn; 12 control rats received saline in the left horn; right uterine horns were left intact. Control rats had 76 pregnancies in the left horn and 70 in the right; the 18 rats treated with .1 ml solution had no pregnancies in the left horn and 121 in the right; 2 rats receiving .05 ml solution had 2 and 3 pregnancies, respectively, in the left horn. Lugol's solution prevented nidation in rats, and its action was local rather than systemic. Lugol's solution applied transvaginally to the uterine cavity of 1 Macaca mulatta adult virgin female monkey after confirmed existence of a developed Graffian follicle was followed by artificial insemination in the treated cycle and 2 cycles later. Ovulation and menstruation occurred during the treated and subsequent cycles, but conception occurred in the third cycle. Effect of Lugol's solution appears temporary. Preliminary clinical observation in a limited number of human volunteers in the U.S., Japan and Mexico who had Lugol's solution applied to the uterine cavity using a cotton-tip applicator indicates that application on Days 16 and 17 of the cycle resulted in no contraceptive effect, but on Day 20-24, resulted in no pregnancies through contraceptive or abortive effect. No irregular and/or abnormal bleeding occurred. A long-term observation and evaluation of the study is warranted to determine side effects of monthly solution application, such as endometrial changes and irregular bleeding. This procedure may be useful in cases of rape because of the endometrial effect and direct spermicidal effect of Lugol's solution if applied soon after coitus. A discussion of study limitations is presented, and the need for development of a simple, harmless and inexpensive contraceptive method which can be practiced by paramedical personnel as well as physicians is stressed.^ieng