Recent news
October 2011
GHTC member reveals results from pivotal contraceptive study
October 5, 2011 -- GHTC member CONRAD, a nonprofit reproductive health research organization, recently announced the results of its SILCS Diaphragm contraceptive effectiveness study.
The SILCS Diaphragm, a single-sized diaphragm, was developed in order to provide a simpler product that will be easier to supply and will no longer require a fitting exam. The two-year study revealed that the effectiveness of the new single size, contoured diaphragm is comparable to traditional ones that come in a variety of sizes. The study also showed that women were able to easily use and comfortably wear the new diaphragm.
In a press release, Jill Schwartz, CONRAD’s medical director and study principal investigator, said, “Women and societies worldwide suffer from the consequences of unintended pregnancies. By expanding their contraceptive options with easy-to-use methods that have minimal side effects, we’re also expanding the potential for women’s overall health, not to mention, their families welfare.”
The SILCS was developed at PATH with collaboration from CONRAD researchers. The study involved 450 women at six clinical locations in the United States. The product will now begin to be reviewed for regulatory applications for market approval. PATH is working to make SILCS available in low resource places.
- Read the CONRAD press release here.
- View the presenataion by Jill Schwartz, MD, CONRAD's medical director and study principal investigator here.
