Progesterone-only contraceptives increase the risk of sexually transmitted disease

Surprising but shocking news to women who are using contraceptive pills, a recent research study conducted by Australian scientists reported that the progesterone-only contraceptivesincrease the risk of sexually-transmitted disease. The pills are found to increase the risk of Chlamydia infection.

According to scientists, progesterone-only pills inhibit the synthesis of Interferon Epsilon, an infection-combating protein present in female reproductive tract. The production of the protein is regulated by hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone.

Increased levels of progesterone deleteriously lower levels of the protective protein. However, higher levels of estrogen increase the level of interferon protein. Contrary to the risks in mini-pills, no such adverse events are associated in combined pills that contain estrogen and progesterone.

A research study was conducted by Dr. Paul Hertzog and his associates from Monash Institute of Medical Research, and the effect of mini-pills on Interferon Epsilon was assessed. The study found that increased levels of progesterone lowers the levels of Interferon Epsilon by ten folds and increases the risk of Chlamydia infection. 

The researchers are studying the association of mini-pills intake and risk of other sexually-transmitted diseases such as Herpes infections, HIV, HPV etc. 

It is possible to develop a progesterone-only contraceptive pill with Interferon Epsilon to prevent such complications, the researchers wrote in the publication.

The study results were published in Science, a high-impact factor academic journal.