Contraception

Review
In: Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
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Excerpt

Contraception is important for the prevention of unintended pregnancies worldwide. Many contraceptives also have other medical benefits, such as decreasing endometrial and ovarian cancer risk or regulating the pain and bleeding of menstruation. It is essential for all physicians to have a basic knowledge of contraceptives, given that 99% of women in the United States will use contraception at some point in their reproductive lives. This chapter provides an overview of the various hormonal and non-hormonal methods. There is an emphasis placed on efficacy, pharmacology and the mechanism of action for each category of contraceptives. Progestin-only methods include the implant, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables and pills. Combined estrogen-progestin methods include pills, patch and vaginal ring. Non-hormonal methods include the copper IUD and barrier methods such as condoms or diaphragms. Non-contraceptive benefits and contraindications for each particular method are also described. Finally, some future developments are discussed. For complete coverage of this and all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our FREE on-line web-textbook, www.endotext.org.

Publication types

  • Review