Is Contraceptive Jewelry the Future in Birth Control?

Would you buy contraceptive jewelry? Sounds bizarre, doesn't it? But researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are working on the technology, which they believe is a novel new approach to birth control. 

Researchers are developing a ring, choker necklace, watch and earring backing that women can wear during the day for 24-hour pregnancy protection. So far, they’ve tested the earring backings on pigs and rats, and the findings are promising. But is the idea really that practical? Let's review some of the pros and cons of contraceptive jewelry...

Decorative Pregnancy Protection?

Researchers have fitted a ring, watch, choker necklace and earring backings with medicated patches designed to time-release the birth control drug levonorgestrel. They believe women who fail to remember to take their birth control medication regularly might be more consistent if it were part of their daily beauty regimen. They’ve tested the earring patches on pigs and rats, finding both tolerated them well.

Because women aren’t likely to wear most jewelry to bed, researchers kept the animals’ patches on for 16 hours then removed them for 8, the average time someone would spend in bed. They found blood levels of the medication remained at therapeutic doses during that time. This means women could wear the jewelry during the day and still be protected from pregnancy at night.

Old Technology, New Look

Transdermal birth control patches are nothing new, but some users don’t remember to change them consistently. Other women might see them as unsightly or simply too noticeable. Turning them into jewelry seems like a novel approach at first glance, but the question remains: is the idea practical?

Consider the jewelry you wear. Unless you keep the same studs in your ears all the time, you’re likely going to want to shed your earrings long before you’re ready for bed. Same goes for the choker and wristwatch. And how much time do you spend each day in the bath or shower? Depending on the type of jewelry you’re using, the 16 hours on, 8 hours off timing could be more difficult to adhere to.

The ring might be able to circumvent those problems, but is its patch designed well enough to withstand multiple hand-washings throughout the day? Researchers will need to identify and solve these and other potential roadblocks if they advance to human trials.

Who knows — medicated jewelry could be the next big fad. Time will tell whether this is a novel new idea or just a new excuse to help consumers part with their money. Would a medicated patch on your jewelry help keep you on track? Or would you stick with the traditional methods? Let us know in the Comments section below.

~ Here’s to Your Health and Wellness

Other Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/would-you-wear-contraceptive-jewelry