Interpreting Epidemiologic Reports and Contraceptive Eligibility Criteria Clinical practice is the ultimate distillate of evidence, judgment, and experience. The safety, side effects, and benefits of treatments are established by epidemiologic…
Sterilization Contraceptive methods today are very safe and effective; however, we remain decades away from a perfect method of contraception for either women or men. Because reversible contraceptive methods are…
Induced Abortion and Postabortion Contraception Contraception is more effective and convenient than ever, but even the most conscientious couples can experience contraceptive failure. In the past, failure of contraception meant…
Clinical Guidelines for Contraception at Different Ages: Early and Late Modern society is coping with two contraceptive problems, each at the opposite end of the reproductive lifespan. In the early…
Barrier Methods of Contraception Barrier methods of contraception have been the most widely used contraceptive techniques throughout recorded history. These methods, the oldest of methods, are now being thrust into…
The Postpartum Period, Breastfeeding, and Contraception Breastfeeding protects infants against infection, offers an inexpensive supply of nutrition, contributes to maternal-infant bonding, and provides contraception. The relationship between lactation and fertility…
Natural Family Planning: Periodic Abstinence and Withdrawal Periodic abstinence as a method of contraception (also called fertility awareness) is keyed to the observation of naturally occurring signs and symptoms of…
Intrauterine Contraception Intrauterine contraceptives are used by over 180 million women worldwide, but only about 3 million of these are American. The growing need for reversible contraception in the United…
Implant Contraception The high rate of unintended pregnancies and the relatively high failure rates with the typical use of reversible methods of contraception are strong indications of a need for…
Injectable Contraception Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) is the most thoroughly studied progestin-only contraceptive. Although its approval for contraception in the United States is relatively recent (1992), it has been available in…
