Birth Control Pills - Latest Developments

Latest or Current developments in Birth Control Pills or Oral Contraceptive Pills

The male pill and long term patches like birth control patches have made contraception methods more convenient

A birth control patch is a new method of contraception for women. It is available as a small plastic square patch (Brand name Ortho Evra) that contains the two female hormones, estrogen in the form of ethinyl estradiol and progesterone in the form of norelgestromin.

Male Hormonal Contraceptives: A number of hormones are being tested for use as contraceptives in males. Among these are testosterone with/without a progestin or a GnRH (Gonadotropin Release Hormone) antagonist. A Chinese scientist came up with the contraception pill (gossypol) from cottonseed oil but it caused severe damage to testes hence it was tried as a vaginal cream but failed in the market due to the stains it produced in the bed sheets.

Contraceptive patch: A contraceptive patch is a transdermal patch, placed on the skin, which releases synthetic Estrogen and Progesterone hormones. It is another method of contraception that is very effective in preventing pregnancy. It is very convenient and easy to use. It is available in the market in boxes of three patches and is sold under the brand name Ortho Evra. It is associated with a high risk of blood clot formation within veins.

Depo Provera: Depo-Provera is an injectable form of contraception. It contains the hormone Progesterone and is very similar to the Mini pill. It has to be administered under the guidance of a qualified doctor who injects the contraception in the buttocks or arm muscle. The injection has to be repeated at a time interval of three months. A subcutaneous form is now available in some countries that can be injected just below the skin. The subcutaneous injection is less painful and is administered by the patient herself.

Norplant: Norplant is a form of implant that is placed under the skin. It contains the hormone Progesterone with the rubber rods that resembles a matchstick. A doctor places the rods under the skin of the woman's upper arm. The rubber rod slowly releases the hormone in to the body and is an effective method of contraception. The rods have a particular shelf life after which it has to be removed from the body by a doctor. There are two types of Norplant available in the market a six-rod Norplant gives birth control for up to five years and a two-rod Norplant that gives birth control for up to two years. A new single rod implant called Implanon is available in some countries. Its effect lasts for 3 years.

Nuvaring: Nuvaring is a contraceptive that is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks and removed every fourth week. It releases estrogen and progesterone hormone locally. The patient can thus avoid taking pills daily.

References:

1. Birth Control Pill - (http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception_birth.html)