Phantasia, Hormone-free vaginal gel for pregnancy prevention
- Author: Medical Content Writer
- Publish Date: July 7, 2024
Phantasia is a unique method of contraception
Choosing a contraceptive method is a significant challenge for many couples, influenced by personal and cultural preferences, sexual health status, underlying medical conditions, interactions and side effects, drug sensitivities, cost, and access to contraceptive medications and products. There are numerous contraceptive methods available, including so-called natural methods, condom use, hormonal methods such as pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections, skin patches and implants (uncommon in Iran), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and surgical methods (vasectomy and tubal ligation). Surgical methods result in irreversible infertility.
In addition to the high likelihood of unintended pregnancy with natural methods, some of these cycle-based contraceptive approaches require individuals to avoid unprotected intercourse for 12 to 17 days per month. Natural contraceptive methods used during breastfeeding, aside from the risk of unintended pregnancy, are only suitable for those who are not menstruating and exclusively breastfeeding their infants.
Combined oral contraceptives (containing estrogen and progesterone) have numerous usage restrictions and are unsuitable for many women due to underlying conditions such as hypertension. Additionally, contraceptive pills can cause side effects like nausea, headaches, and an increased risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots in veins).
The use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections may lead to spotting and weight gain. Emergency contraceptive pills are not designed for frequent use within a single menstrual cycle, and the effectiveness of some decreases in individuals with overweight. Finally, in surgical procedures such as vasectomy (blocking or cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testes) and tubal ligation (blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), despite their high effectiveness, there is always a risk of surgery-related complications such as pain, bleeding, infection, and ectopic pregnancies.
Phantasia is a unique contraceptive method for women that works by lowering vaginal pH (or acidifying the vagina), immobilizing sperm and preventing pregnancy. Normally, vaginal pH is within the acidic range. Upon exposure to semen, due to prostate secretions, vaginal pH shifts to a neutral range. Phantasia restores the pH to its initial acidic state, immobilizing sperm—as sperm become immobile in an acidic pH (especially below pH 5). Vaginal pH-lowering products, due to their localized effect, do not carry the side effects and usage precautions of hormonal methods. Unlike contraceptive pills and depot medroxyprogesterone injections, they do not require long-term planning or use well before sexual intercourse.
A product similar to Phantasia received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 as a suitable contraceptive method for women.
Active Ingredients:
Ingredients | (Amount per Tube) (mg) |
| Lactic Acid | 90 |
| Citric Acid | 50 |
| Potassium Bitartrate | 20 |
Side ingredients of Phantasia Vaginal Gel: Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid
Uses of Phantasia Vaginal Gel:
Phantasia is a female contraceptive product intended for use prior to each sexual encounter. Beyond its pregnancy-preventing function, its lubricating properties also contribute to increased sexual pleasure.
How to use:
To use Phantasia, fill the applicator with the gel from the tube and keep it upright to prevent any leakage.
Gently insert the applicator into the vagina in a position that feels comfortable — either sitting with knees apart, lying on your back with knees bent, or standing with legs apart or knees slightly bent. Once inserted, press the plunger to release all the gel, then remove the applicator.
The contents of one tube should be used vaginally right away or within one hour before intercourse.
If you plan to have intercourse more than once within an hour, you must use a new tube of gel and a new applicator each time.
If more than an hour has passed since using Phantasia, you’ll need to apply a new tube with a fresh applicator before intercourse.
Pros and Cons
Pros
It’s a non-hormonal method.
Phantasia works locally and is not absorbed systemically, so it doesn’t cause systemic side effects.
It can be used immediately before sexual intercourse.
Phantasia can be used alongside other forms of birth control (except contraceptive rings).
It’s compatible with vaginal medications, including antibiotics.
Phantasia has no known contraindications.
It’s easy to use and, unlike some birth control methods, does not have long-term effects on fertility.
Phantasia has mild antiseptic (antimicrobial) and lubricating properties.
Studies on similar products have shown that oral sex during use of a vaginal combination of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate is considered safe.
Side Effects
Due to the lack of systemic absorption, any side effects from Phantasia are local and occur in only a small number of users. These may include:
Burning or itching in the vaginal area
Less commonly, irritation or itching of the male genital area
A potential increase in the risk of vaginal or urinary tract infections in women
Precautions
Phantasia is not recommended for women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary tract disorders.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Phantasia is not effective as an emergency contraceptive and should not be used after intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
Effectiveness of Phantasia in Preventing Pregnancy
In a study conducted on 1,384 women of reproductive age across 112 centers in the United States, a product similar to Phantasia was shown to have an effectiveness rate of 86% when used without strict adherence to usage instructions—comparable to the typical use effectiveness of condoms (87%). However, when used correctly and consistently, the effectiveness increased to 93% in preventing pregnancy. Reported side effects in the study were mild to moderate and limited to local reactions.
Who Is Phantasia Suitable For?
Phantasia is a birth control product for women of reproductive age that does not require daily use and is applied before each sexual encounter. It is suitable for those who want to prevent pregnancy while still enjoying pleasurable sex, as well as individuals who, due to underlying health conditions or potential drug interactions, cannot use hormonal methods, or for those who find that using condoms reduces their sexual satisfaction.
Summary
Phantasia is a contraceptive product designed for women, containing lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. By acidifying the vaginal environment, it immobilizes sperm and prevents pregnancy. Phantasia can be used immediately or up to one hour before sexual intercourse, but it is not effective if used after intercourse. It is a simple, easy-to-use method with no known contraindications or drug interactions, and its effects are local. Phantasia is a suitable option for pregnancy prevention, either on its own or alongside other methods.
References
- Lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate: Drug information. UpToDate database, Accessed June 2024.
- Pericoital (on demand) contraception: Diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicides, and sponge. Accessed June 2024.
- External (formerly male) condoms. Accessed June 2024.
- Fertility awareness-based methods of pregnancy prevention. Accessed June 2024.
- Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives: Patient selection, counseling, and use. Accessed June 2024.
lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. FDA label. Revised 05/2020. - https://www.drugs.com/ppa/lactic-acid-citric-acid-and-potassium-bitartrate.html
- Thomas MA, Chappell BT, Maximos B, Culwell KR, Dart C, Howard B. A novel vaginal pH regulator: results from the phase 3 AMPOWER contraception clinical trial. Contraception: X. 2020 Jan 1;2:100031.
- Chappell BT, Mena LA, Maximos B, Mollan S, Culwell K, Howard B. EVO100 prevents chlamydia and gonorrhea in women at high risk of infection. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021 Aug 1;225(2):162-e1.
