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Gossypol

Gossypol is a substance found in the cotton plant. It is extracted from the seeds and used as a medicine.

Men use gossypol for the purpose of birth control. Women use gossypol for uterine disorders including endometriosis, abnormal bleeding and cancer, as well as ovarian cancer. Gossypol is also used to treat AIDS/HIV. Sometimes women use Gossypool cream or gel for the purpose of birth control. It is applied inside the vagina to kill sperm.

How does Gossypol work?

Gossypol impairs sperm development and function.

How effective is Gossypol?

Gossypol may be effective as a male contraceptive when taken orally. Gossypol appears to reduce sperm count and function in 60% of men. In 50% of men, sperm production recovers within 3 to 24 months after stopping treatment. In about 10% of men, however, the sperm count remains low for more than 4.5 years. In some men, continuous use of Gossypol may result in permanent loss of fertility.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of Gossypol for uterine and ovarian problems, HIV/AIDS and cancer, and for killing sperm when used inside the vagina. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Gossypol in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The use of Gossypol may not be safe without careful monitoring by a physician. When men take Gossypol orally, the effects on sperm are unpredictable and long-term use could result in permanent inability to conceive. If women take gossypol orally, it may have a toxic effect on the cells of the uterine lining and prevent normal ovarian function.

Gossypol can also cause loss of energy, changes in appetite, reduced sexual desire, changes in the body's potassium levels and digestive problems. High doses, in the hundreds of times the doses used for birth control, can cause malnutrition, circulatory problems, heart failure, changes in hair color and other problems. There is not enough information about whether it is safe and harmless to apply Gossypol directly to the skin. It may cause a burning sensation.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Gossypol is not safe to use during pregnancy. It may cause miscarriages. Gossypol may also not be safe to use while breastfeeding.

Low potassium levels: Gossypol may aggravate low potassium levels in the body and should therefore not be used if potassium levels are already low.

Urinary tract irritation: Gossypol may aggravate urinary tract irritation and should therefore not be used by people suffering from this problem.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining Gossypol with the following medicines:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach and intestines. Gossypol can also cause irritation of the stomach and intestines. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with gossypol could increase the risk of unwanted side effects, which is why these substances should not be taken together.

Stimulant laxatives

Stimulant laxatives accelerate the intestinal passage of stool. Excessive use of stimulant laxatives can result in low mineral levels in the body. Gossypol can also reduce mineral levels in the body. For this reason, Gossypol should not be used in conjunction with stimulant laxatives.

Diuretics

Large amounts of gossypol can reduce potassium levels in the body. Diuretics can also lower potassium levels. Taking Gossypol in combination with diuretics could lower potassium levels in the body too much.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

  • For birth control for men: 15-20 mg is taken daily for a period of 12 to 16 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 7.5 to 10 mg per day. Treatment should be carefully monitored by a doctor as the effects of gossypol are unpredictable and could lead to permanent inability to conceive.

References

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