Recent developments in technology for the control of female fertility.

Full Abstract

Over the past 20 years there have been rapid shifts in the pattern of usage of the various means of fertility control. The adaptation and development of new means of fertility control and the rapid expansion of family planning programs, particularly in developing countries, has been responsible for the accelerating tempo of this change. In the 1960s the introduction of steroidal oral contraceptives (OCs) was of major importance as was the rediscovery and improvement of IUDs. More recently, the increased reliance on surgical methods, particularly sterilization and abortion, to control fertility has been notable. As the means for performing outpatient female sterilization under local anesthesia became available, the use of this modality increased markedly. Focus in this discussion is on the following: 1) female sterilization -- laparotomy, minilaparotomy, and colpotomy; endoscopic sterilization techniques; transcervical approaches to female sterilization; systemic nonsurgical female sterilization; and reversible techniques of female sterilization; 2) abortion -- pregnancy testing, long-term effects; and 3) systemic contraceptives -- steroidal contraception; locally active methods; vaginal foams, creams, and jellies; the diaphragm and other intravaginal barriers; IUDs; and periodic abstine nce.

Author information

Author/s: Speidel, J J (JJ); Kessel, E (E); Berger, G S (GS); Labbok, M (M);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology annual (Obstet Gynecol Annu), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1978-; vol 7 (issue ) : pp 397-445

Dates: Created 1978/09/01; Completed 1978/09/01; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 351486, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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