Sexual Absorption of Vaginal Progesterone

Wake Forest University (WFU)

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 4

Conditions: Infertility; Pregnancy

Treatments: Drug: Placebo vaginal gel; Drug: Crinone vaginal progesterone gel

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01959464

SAVP2013

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to determine if sexual intercourse lowers serum progesterone in women using vaginal progesterone gel (Crinone®), and increases serum progesterone in their male sexual partners. We hypothesize, based on previous estrogen studies done by our group, that intercourse will interfere with absorption of vaginal progesterone.

Full description

The effects of intercourse on the absorption of vaginal progesterone for the female user and her sexual partner have not been studied. However, a previous study performed by our group found that intercourse lowered the absorption of vaginal estrogen cream in women, and men absorbed a small but statistically significant amount of estradiol during intercourse. Vaginal progesterone gel may be used by women for several clinical indications, and if intercourse alters the absorption and distribution of vaginal progesterone, clinical outcomes may be compromised. If intercourse lowers absorption, the efficacy of the treatment could be reduced. If intercourse enhances absorption, side effects may be increased. Also, if the male sexual partner absorbs vaginal progesterone, undesirable side effects may occur.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Sexually active 18-40 year old heterosexual couple
• Subject willing to take Mircette birth control pills for at least one cycle (one pack)
• Willing to have intercourse at the defined times (at least weekly within a 3 week interval, and draw blood within 10 hours of intercourse)
• IRB signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Contraindication to oral contraceptives
• Liver dysfunction or disease
• Known sensitivity to Crinone
• Known or suspected malignancy of the breast or genital organs
• History of or active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Use of condoms during intercourse
• Male erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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20 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Crinone vaginal progesterone gel

Experimental group

Description:

Crinone is a bioadhesive vaginal gel containing micronized progesterone in an emulsion system containing a water swellable but insoluble polymer, polycarbophil. Crinone 8% is formulated to provide a long-acting vaginal retention, and is prescribed daily. Each applicator delivers 1.125 grams of Crinone gel containing 90 mg of progesterone. The reported time to maximum progesterone concentration is 6.8 +/- 3.3 hours with use of a single dose of Crinone 8%. Absorption half-life is approximately 25-50 hours and an elimination half-life of 5-20 minutes. On the evening of day 3, the female will insert the applicator into the vagina, administer the gel, and have intercourse within 1 hour of insertion of the cream.

Treatment:

Drug: Crinone vaginal progesterone gel

Placebo vaginal gel

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The couple will be given a prefilled applicator containing either Crinone gel (progesterone) or placebo vaginal gel, data collection sheets and laboratory requisitions. On the evening of day 3, the female will insert the applicator into the vagina, administer the gel, and have intercourse within 1 hour of insertion of the cream.

Treatment:

Drug: Placebo vaginal gel