Recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Reproductive Health
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Unintended pregnancy poses significant global health challenges, including unsafe abortion and maternal mortality.
• Current contraceptive methods often suffer from low efficacy and undesirable side effects, impacting users' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
• To highlight various delivery routes and controlled drug release systems utilizing biomaterials for contraception.
• To discuss future prospects and necessary improvements in biomaterial-based contraceptive technologies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of biomaterials applied to contraception.
• Analysis of different delivery systems: subcutaneous implants, transdermal patches, oral, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, and tubal/vasal occlusion.
• Examination of nanomaterial applications in advanced contraceptive development.

Main Results:

• Biomaterials enable enhanced delivery routes and controlled drug release for LARC.
• Various biomaterial-based LARC strategies show promise in overcoming limitations of existing methods.
• Nanomaterials represent a key area for future innovation in contraceptive technology.

Conclusions:

• Biomaterial-based LARC offers a promising avenue for improving contraceptive efficacy and user experience.
• Further research and development in biomaterials, particularly nanomaterials, are crucial for advancing contraceptive options.
• Optimized biomaterial strategies can mitigate unintended pregnancies and improve reproductive health outcomes globally.