| WO2004084857A1 | 2004-10-07 |
| US3971367A | 1976-07-27 | |||
| US4249531A | 1981-02-10 |
CLAIMS:
1. A device for cervical and/or vaginal hygiene of the type characterised in that a container for one or more microbicides and optional spermicide/s is provided that is adapted for controlled release thereof into the cervix and/or vagina and that is adapted to be releasably anchored in a desired position.
2. The device according to claim 1 characterised in that the container is associated with an anchoring element that is fixed and retained in the uterus.
3. The device according to claim 2 characterised in that the anchoring element is an IUD of the type including flexible arms.
4. The device according to claim 3 characterised in that the IUD is of the copper T type and which is located in one end of an applicator, and the container is located behind the T adjacent the tip of the butt of the T, the two being slidable in the applicator and each including a rearwardly-directed thread available for the practitioner inserting and locating the device to permit slidable adjustment both in the applicator and the cervical canal when fitted.
5. The device according to claim 4 characterised in that the container includes sealed orificed flaps at either end to receive the thread of the T therethrough
6. The device according to any of the above claims characterised in that the container is fitted at its rearward end with a wick or the like for the predetermined rate of dispersion when exposed during the fitment operation.
7. The device according to either of claims 1 or 2 characterised in that the anchor element is in the form of an undersized IUD element. |
A DEVICE FOR CERVICAL AND/OR VAGINAL HYGIENE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for cervical and/or vaginal hygiene that may be combined with an IUD.
BACKGROUNDART
There are many patents relating to IUDs that are combined with a medicinal product in controlled release form. The medicinal product is generally an anti-fibrinolytic, anti-conceptive or anti-proteolytic drug such as guanidines or amidines; or cortisone, hydrocortisone, progesterone or the like.
However, as far as the Applicant is aware, there are no devices for the controlled release of microbicides and other substances for cervical and/or vaginal hygiene.
In some countries with populations suffering from HIV-AIDS, the general cause is due to the male dislike of using condoms and the inability of the female to insist on the use thereof.
It is one of the objects of the present invention to put the female in control against sexually transmitted diseases in general and AIDS in particular.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention a device includes a container for a microbicide/s and/or a spermicide/s adapted for controlled release thereof into the cervix and/or vagina and to be releasably anchored in a desired position.
In one form of the invention, the container is associated with an anchoring element that is fixed and retained in the uterus
The element may be one of the many intrauterine devices available, and preferably a device that includes flexible arms such as the Copper T, 7, or the like.
In a particular form of the invention a contraceptive device, for example of the Copper T type is located in one end of an applicator and the container is located behind the T adjacent the tip of the butt of the T, the two being slidable in the applicator and each including a rearwardly-directed thread available for the practitioner inserting and locating the device.
The container may abut the end of the contraceptive device and may include sealed flaps at either end.
The shaft of the T (or the like contraceptive device) may carry a thread that passes rearwardly through the container flaps as to be available to the practitioner. The container may also include a thread attached to its rear end extending in the same direction for the same purpose.
The container may be permeable for the medicament to be dispersed once the applicator has been withdrawn. Alternatively, the container may be fitted at its rearward end with a wick or the like for the predetermined rate of dispersion when exposed during the fitment operation.
The microbicide may be chosen from a number of substances and in one form of the invention the chosen substance may also have spermicidal properties so that the contraceptive action is enhanced. Alternatively, or in addition, a spermicidal substance may be mixed with the microbicide.
Where contraception is unimportant or undesired, or systemic hormones are being employed, a smaller form of the T or 7 or the like may be used as the anchor and this may take the place of the contraceptive device. This anchor may be made from a suitable plastic having dimensions suitable for anchoring in the lower uterine segment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional plan view of a device according to the invention; and
Figure 2 is an enlargement of the left hand end of the device.
BESTMETHOD FOR CARRYNG OUT THE INVENTION
In the drawings a Copper T 10 (preferably IUD 380 type in a range of sizes- 22mm, 27mm, 30mm and having a common stem length of 30mm)) is located in one end of an applicator tube 12 of the order of 4 mm diameter and 210 mm length. A thread 16 is attached to the tail 14 of the T.
This thread passes through an orifice 26 in the flattened front end 27 of a container 20 for a medicament.
The container has a stepped rear zone 22 that is flattened and has an orifice 24 through which the thread 16 passes.
A wick 30 is located in the end 32 of the container which has a flap 34 for attachment of a thread 36. When the device is correctly located, the flap is severed so that the wick is free to dispense the medicament into the cervix and/or vagina.
It will be appreciated that the thread may be used to achieve initial slidable adjustment of the container; and then for accurate location in the cervical canal.
The end 32 of the container should be positioned immediately inside the cervical canal, when fitted.
In use, the practitioner will first set the depth gauge 40 after sounding the fundal vault to cervix measurement, and then drawing the end of the container to be about 5mm short of the gauge position.
The normal procedure for insertion and location of the T results in the T resting high in the fundal vault where a gentle waggling to left and to right assists the opening of the cross arms, before gently withdrawing the applicator, at the same time ensuring that the ends of the two threads remain static, thus ensuring the retention of the device.
The final adjustment includes grasping the thread 36 with forceps and gently drawing the end of the container to expose the attachment of the thread 36. The end of the container is then cut off some 2 to 3mm beyond the attachment to expose the wick so that the medicament can commence dispersion. The thread 16 may then be trimmed for future removal.
Where contraception is not required the T may be replaced by a small plastic T or 7. The depth gauge would then need to be set to 6cm before inserting the applicator thus ensuring that the anchor lies within the uterus. The practitioner should then lightly grasp the applicator butt and the thread 16 between finger and thumb and gently withdraw the applicator until the tension in the thread indicates that the uterine anchoring has been achieved. The thread is then released and the applicator fully withdrawn. The exposed thread 36 is then be drawn to expose the container attachment tab and trimmed off to 2 to 3 mm beyond, thus exposing the wick. The thread 16 is then trimmed to the desired length, leaving sufficient length to facilitate removal when the medicament is exhausted.