Contraception

This issue of Clinics will focus on innovations in contraception as well as medical and public health barriers to reducing unintended pregnancy. Described in this issue are a number of contraceptive innovations developed over the last few years, including the contraceptive patch and ring as well as the hormonal intrauterine system and hormonal implants. The very effective options, including the IUD and hormonal implants, have appealed to women who previously did not use contraception or used less effective methods. Other contraceptive innovations described include novel approaches to contraception:
Treating the need for contraception as an emergency, using "quick start"
methods of initiating contraceptives, expanding the profile of women considered good candidates for IUDs, and using extended dosing regimens for hormonal contraceptives. At the systems level, this issue will examine legislation, regulations and funding of contraception, factors that have a major impact on access and use. The last decade has seen both improvements in contraceptive usage and continued barriers to improved access. We suggest ways to improve contraceptive use and access over the years to come.