Newer Methods for Systemic Hormonal Contraception

The need for long-acting hormonal methods of contraception became apparent when experience with oral preparations showed the difficulty of maintaining a daily intake of medication. Injectable formulations, taken every two or three months, were the first alternatives to become available. Later, technological advances made it possible to deliver steroidal hormones continuously at a very low dose, thereby avoiding the unnecessary excess exposure which follows each administration.

Current research aims at improving Injectable and implants and also at developing long-acting hormonal methods which offer more flexibility of use for women, such as the contraceptive NuvaRings , Ortho Evra, Extended COC, Sterilization, Ligation, Micro-coil Tubal Obstruction and many more techniques of newer delivery methods for Systemic Hormonal Contraception.

NuvaRing

• Intravaginal Ring
• 15 mcg EE/d
• 120 mcg Progestin agent/d
• Rate of failure is less than 1%.
• Self insertion and removal.
• Three weeks ring In, One week ring-free.
• Rapid return of Ovulation
• $44 per Month

• Transdermal patch
  
• Failure rate of approximately 1.25%
• Apply patch at Seven days interval
• Three weeks on, one week off.
• No first pass metabolism.
• Decreased efficacy in women >198 lbs
• $35 per month

• Seasonale: Estrogen (0.3mg)
• Levonorgestrel (0.15mg)
• 84 days duration with seven days off and four periods per year
• No increase in health risks.
• Same contraindications and side effects.
• Increase in spotting
• $47 per month

Sterilization

• Failure rate of about 0.3-0.5%
• Most popular method of birth control
• Vasectomy
• Tubal ligation