On the horizon: new options for contraception

Abstract

Future contraceptives include refinements of existing contraceptives and totally new methods. New formulations of oral contraceptives, subdermal hormonal implants, injectable hormones, vaginal spermicides, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are being tested around the world. New methods that are not yet available include the use of vaginal preparations containing sperm-immobilizing agents, gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, vaccines against ova and sperm, and endogenous hormones. Male contraceptive methods use hormones to suppress testosterone and vaccines to immobilize sperm. The availability of all future contraceptives is dependent on ample funds for research, development, and testing, and such funds are in jeopardy.

PIP: Insufficient government funds for the extensive clinical trials required for product approval threaten to impede the future availability in the US of innovative new contraceptive technologies. Funding cutbacks place the burden for contraceptive research on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; however, concerns about product liability have led many of these companies to drop their contraceptive research programs. New formulations of oral contraceptives, subdermal hormonal implants, and IUDs are being tested around the world. New methods on the horizon include vaginal preparations containing sperm-immobilizing agents, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, vaccines against ova and sperm, and endogenous hormones. Also under review are male methods that use hormones to suppress testosterone and vaccines to immobilize sperm, polyurethane condoms, and new vasectomy techniques. Because many future methods will be targeted to men, family planning programs will have to be redirected to address the contraceptive needs of both genders. Moreover, as contraceptive technologies become more diverse, primary care of men and women will assume increasing importance. The only new products likely to be available by the year 2000 are contraceptive vaginal rings and one or two rod implant systems.