Contraceptive Advances |
Overview: Unmet Need for Family Planning
Methods Recently Introduced
The unmet need for family planning has remained high in most parts of the world. Contraceptive methods currently available provide an effective protection against pregnancy, but they do not always suit every individual and couple.
The most ideal contraceptive method as characterized by women all over the world should be highly effective, have prolonged duration of action and still be rapidly reversible, should not have any side effects and complications, also easily accessible and provide privacy of use, and offer protection against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.
The most ideal method of contraception with all these characteristics is yet to be developed, and so the search continues for a method that will suit the needs of every individual and couple.
Contraceptive Methods Recently Introduced
Many new methods have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in recent years for use in the United States. Some are improved versions of existing methods and some are being introduced for the first time. Some methods have been available in other countries for many years but were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration very recently.
All these methods can be grouped under five categories: combined hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, barrier methods, female sterilization and natural methods.
Contraceptive Research
The following resources contain information on contraceptive research.
Consortium for Industrial Collaboration in Contraceptive Research. Global Microbicide Project. Research Activities in Addressing Reproductive Health Needs: 2001-2002 Biennial Report. (PDF*, 110k)
Conrad. Research Activities in Making Progress Toward Better Reproductive Health for All: 2000-2001 Biennial Report. (PDF*, 50k)
Contraceptive Research and Development Program (CONRAD) website
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