Look I'm all for non-hormonal contraceptives, but Phexxi "birth control gel" is just hyped up spermicide. Here are 4 reasons why the product as a contraceptive and the news articles are terrible: (1/8) https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/phexxi-has-been-approved-by-drug-regulators/news-story/ed336c2a3f566d38a2f8aaa0e72f5cc4

1. Efficacy is only 86%! I cannot even emphasises how terrible that is for a contraceptive. Copper IUD (no hormones) is 99%! I can't find a peer reviewed journal article check the efficacy is classed as "real world" or "clinical". Meaning, if clinical, real world is even less.

2. "That effectiveness rate [86%] is an improvement on condoms", FLASE, @FamPlanningNSW says condoms are 88% effective in the real world. 98% with perfect or clinical use. (3/8)

3. "“If you have a guy who refuses to use a condom, this is a great option,” added Dr. Lauren Streicher". JFC. Medical professionals need to stop condoning and excusing condom refusal & see it as reproductive coercion. Coercing someone into sex without a condom is sexual assault.

4. Incredibly expensive. "US $250-275 for a box of twelve applications" - TGA would never approve something so costly with so little efficacy in Australia. You can get a box of 13 application of spermicide for $50 and is 70-80% effective. (5/8)

Upon further research it looks like they are trying to develop an anti-microbial gel to prevent STI's. I won't comment of its efficacy in that realm as it's not my area of expertise. Also the company's stock price has reported skyrocket after all the press coverage (6/8)

Nobody expects journalistic excellence from http://news.com.au , but the original press release/story has been republished by several Aussie news outlets, with what I can only assume are the same errors (paywall). Good reminder to be skeptical, especially of headlines. (7/8)

Thanks to @WHVictoria finding this and highlighting in their AMAZING daily e-newsletter on all things women's health. You can sign up here: https://whv.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bbf49fd4e419d15103f7f3eaf&id=29b82a80d7 (8/8)