New Developments in Contraception

Birth control - what's new?

Research and development into major issues that affect women's health continues to open up new avenues of reproductive freedom. Birth control methods of the future are focusing on "no fuss, no muss" methods that offer convenience, as well as long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy.

New drug delivery systems are providing active women with alternatives to traditional birth control methods meaning that women may no longer have to worry about birth control on daily basis.

The Vaginal Ring

A new innovation in contraceptive health is the vaginal ring, a unique hormonal method that is inserted into the vagina and provides month-long protection against pregnancy.

Using state-of-the-art technology, the ring releases a continuous low dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin over a 21-day period. At the end of the 21-days, the ring is removed for seven days to make way for a menstrual period. A new ring is then inserted and the protective cycle begins all over again. Like the pill, the ring is a highly effective hormonal method of birth control.

The Male "Pill"

Male contraceptive research is beginning to yield a number of leads in the area of male contraception. Studies are now underway to test hormonal methods of birth control which will provide safe, reliable and reversible male contraception. One method currently under consideration is a combination of two hormones that stop the production of sperm. More studies are being done to determine whether an oral pill, an implant or injection, or a combination of these would be most effective. The promise of male contraception would mean that men will also be able to share the responsibility for birth control with their female partners.