A remote controlled contraceptive chip has been invented in Massachusetts.
It is a timely innovation since governments and organizations around the world are making efforts to be able to avail family planning to 120 million women by 2020.
The chip will be implanted under the woman’s skin in order to release the Levonorgestrel hormone. This is a female hormone that can cause changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
The contraceptive chip measures 20mm x 20mm x 7mm and will be replaced after 16 years, however it can be stopped anytime using a wireless remote control.
It will be submitted for pre-clinical testing in the United States of America next year and expected to go on sale at a highly competitive price by 2018.
“The ability to turn the device on and off provides a certain convenience factor for those who are planning their family,” said Dr Robert Farra from MIT.
