[Recent advances in contraception and family planning]

This paper describes the most recent advances in the field of contraception and family planning. The author discusses the evolution of hormonal contraception--reduction in dosage, new routes of administration, new progestogens, counseling and patient selection, improved hormonal contraceptives--intrauterine contraception--IUDS design adapted to the uterine cavity, intrauterine release of contraceptive substances, importance of insertion techniques, improved IUDS--and family planning as an instrument of public health.