The changing position of IUDs in reproductive health services in developing countries: opportunities and challenges

The shared goals of contraceptive development and service delivery efforts are to help individuals and couples achieve their fertility intentions in a healthy, affordable and timely manner. Some would believe that now that contraceptive use has reached 60% in developing countries, there is little need for further investment in product research and development or family planning service delivery for developing countries. The expected growth (40%) in the demand for contraception by 2025 and the prevailing levels of unmet need for contraception (17%) in developing countries suggest that continued efforts to ensure that health systems and donors support family planning services are necessary. The IUD has the potential for enhancing women's health and the ability to both space and limit births at an affordable cost. Organizations involved in product research and development can join with service delivery partners to make new products more accessible to individuals in developing countries.