Transcervical quinacrine sterilization: clinical experience.

OBJECTIVE

To review the use of quinacrine pellets for non-surgical female sterilization.

BACKGROUND

The transcervical insertion of quinacrine pellets has been under study for over 15 years. It could potentially expand access to sterilization services, because it is relatively simple to administer, with the use of a modified IUD inserter, and is inexpensive.

METHODS

Published and unpublished data are reviewed.

RESULTS

The short-term safety of transcervical quinacrine appears to be better than surgical sterilization, but it is less effective, especially among women under 35, and there are virtually no data on its reversibility. Thus, it is probably most appropriate for older women, aged 35 and over, but it could be an option for others where access to surgical sterilization is limited.

CONCLUSION

The use of quinacrine pellets for female sterilization needs to be reviewed by appropriate regulatory authorities, especially with regard to long-term safety issues, and additional clinical studies are needed to better define a standardized regimen.