New contraceptive choices

Family planning users and providers have been calling for more choices. They want contraceptive methods that provide highly effective protection and at the same time cause fewer side effects, cost less, and are easier to use. In response, researchers are improving existing contraceptives and developing new ways to deliver hormones. Offering a wide range of safe, effective, and convenient family planning methods encourages more people to use contraception. Having more choices helps ensure that users are satisfied with their family planning method. Most new methods reaching the market today result from investments made years ago. Virtually all methods undergo a long process of research and rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness and must obtain regulatory approvals before becoming available.