BufferGel + diaphragm

BufferGel + diaphragm is a contraceptive combination product consisting of an acid-buffering vaginal gel (BufferGel) used in conjunction with a vaginal diaphragm. Developed by ReProtect LLC in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, the gel's active ingredient is Carbopol 974P (carbomer 974P), a high molecular weight, cross-linked polyacrylic acid. BufferGel is formulated at a pH of 3.9 to maintain the natural protective acidity of the vagina, which is typically neutralized by alkaline semen. By maintaining this acidity, the product inactivates sperm and various sexually transmitted pathogens, including HIV, HSV-1, HSV-2, and *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*. It has been evaluated in Phase III clinical trials as a microbicide and a non-hormonal contraceptive, demonstrating non-inferiority to nonoxynol-9 when used with a diaphragm.

Other names

Carbopol 974PCarbopol974PCarbopol-974Pcarbomer 974Pcarbomer974Pcarbomer-974Pacid-buffering gel