Could New Non-hormonal Birth Control Lower Breast Cancer Risk?

Proven as effective as birth control pills, Phexxi may promise women more than control over when they have children.

Phexxi can be used in the moment.

FDA approved on May 22, 2020 Phexxi, a new non-hormonal prescription vaginal gel; the first novel form of birth control in decades. Produced by Evofem Biosciences, a San Diego-based clinical bio-pharmaceutical company whose mission is to put women in control of their sexual and reproductive health.

For women who can't tolerate hormones or prefer to avoid them because of other health concerns, Phexxi (formerly known as Amphora) a vaginal pH regulator in gel offers effective on-demand pregnancy prevention when used immediately before sex or within one hour before sex.

Unlike spermicides, which are made of the nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a detergent that can damage vaginal cells and increase risk of HIV transmission. Phexxi utilizes naturally occurring ingredients, including: lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar in cooking.

How Does Phexxi Work?

Phexxi works in two ways, first by maintaining the natural non-sex vaginal pH of 3.5 to 4.5 (slightly more acidic) during sex, making it impossible for sperm to survive. Normally, sperm introduced to the vagina raises the vaginal pH to 7 or 8 (less acidic), an ideal environment for sperm to thrive. At lower pH levels, the gel also limits the sperm's ability to move; it cannot push itself sufficiently to penetrate the cervix, where fertilization of the egg occurs.

Phexxi comes boxed with 12 pre-filled applicators, containing 5 grams of gel. Insert 1 pre-filled applicator into the vagina BEFORE SEX. It must be used before sex to be effective. Phexxi is NOT effective if used after sex. If you do not have vaginal sex within 1 hour of using PHEXXI, you MUST insert a new PHEXXI pre-filled applicator.

Safety and Effectiveness

Interestingly enough, in clinical trials, Phexxi proved to be just as effective as birth control pills up to 93%, if strictly used as directed. However, "typical use" effectiveness diminishes to 86% about the same efficacy as male condom use per CDC guidelines.

On the Today Show blog, Dr. Shefali Pathy, an OB-GYN and professor at Yale School of Medicine, estimates that for "approximately 15 women out of 100, it's going to fail."

Like other non-hormonal birth control, such as the diaphragm, cervical caps, and condoms, Phexxi can be used alone or together with these other barrier methods for extra protection, and it may also be added to hormonal contraception.

However, according to the FDA, Phexxi is not recommended for women using vaginal rings for contraception, those with a history of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), or urinary tract abnormalities. Phexxi is safe to use anytime during a woman's menstrual cycle and as soon as it is safe to have sex after giving birth, abortion, or miscarriage.

Can Phexxi Be Used Even With Breast Cancer?

Yes, it can be used even with breast cancer. Phexxi's non-hormonal nature makes it a safer option for those concerned about hormone-related cancer risks. Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and progestin, which may increase cancer risk or stimulate cancer growth for those diagnosed. Although the absolute risk is low, exposure to these synthetic hormones may cause complications for women.

Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are typically advised not to use hormonal contraceptives, as these could potentially stimulate cancer growth or recurrence. The creation of Phexxi is an exciting new form of birth control that even those with breast cancer can use for safe sex; it can improve the quality of life for many women significantly.

With Phexxi, women can still enjoy intimacy without having to worry about hormones in their bodies, especially for breast cancer patients. For breast cancer patients, whether undergoing treatment or managing survivorship, intimacy can still be an essential part of life. Phexxi offers an empowering solution, allowing many women to enjoy sex while prioritizing their health and peace of mind.