Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:21
Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Published on: October 31, 2017
Emerging female contraceptives
Luis Bahamondes1, Maria Valeria Bahamondes, Arlete Maria dos Santos Fernandes
1University of Campinas, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.O. Box 6181, 13084-971, Campinas, SP, Brazil. bahamond@caism.unicamp.br
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
|January 18, 2011
Summary
New female contraceptives are in development to meet diverse needs, focusing on affordability, ease of use, and novel mechanisms beyond hormones. These advancements aim to improve accessibility and user satisfaction for long-term reproductive health planning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraceptive Development
Background:
- Current female contraceptive options remain limited in composition, cost, and administration, failing to meet diverse lifelong needs.
- Existing methods, while effective and safe, present challenges in accessibility and suitability across different life stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging female contraceptives currently in development or recently registered.
- To highlight research efforts focused on improving contraceptive cost, acceptability, and reversibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ongoing research and registered products in female contraception.
- Analysis of developmental trends in contraceptive routes of administration and mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Multiple new female contraceptives are under development, exploring various administration routes.
- Research is actively pursuing 'forgettable' reversible methods and cost-effective solutions.
Conclusions:
- Future contraceptives must be affordable, user-friendly, and adaptable to diverse women's needs.
- Development of non-hormonal methods targeting gamete fusion is a key area for future research without impacting hormonal balance.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Birth Control Methods
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:28Infertility in Females
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...