Contraceptives

Abstract

Millions of people throughout the world use a variety of methods to regulate human fertility, including oral contraceptives, sterilization, vaginal and barrier contraceptives, long‐acting injectable and implantable contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and natural family planning. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and contraceptive use varies significantly by country and geographical region. It is generally accepted that none of these methods represents the ideal method of fertility regulation for everyone, and research is focused on new methods such as contraceptive vaccines, GnRH analogues, and progesterone antagonists in many countries throughout the world today.