Abstract
The rising number of unintended pregnancies worldwide could be attributed to contraceptive failure or an unmet need for contraceptives. Noncompliance and improper use constitute the most common causes of contraceptive failure. There is a need to explore and widen the availability of contraceptives, especially those that may be delivered via the non-oral route, and long-acting methods that may improve compliance. While several non-oral hormonal contraceptives have been approved or made available over the past few years, such as intrauterine systems, injectables and subdermal implants, other methods, such as contraceptive vaginal rings and transdermal patches, are relatively newer entrants in the contraceptive market. A number of non-oral contraceptive methods, such as vaginal gels, transdermal sprays and transdermal gel, as well as products containing different steroidal agents, are in various stages of clinical development. Current research is also focusing on the feasibility of new methods bringing additional health benefits, such as providing dual protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including the prevention of HIV transmission.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors are employed by the Population Council, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization where novel contraceptive methods are being developed with grant support from the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD), the US Agency for International Development (USAID), UNFPA CONRAD and other donors. Regine Sitruk-Ware has lectured for Bayer Schering Health Care and Schering Plough. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.