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New Hormonal Contraceptives: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Forinash Alicia B.,
Evans Stephanie L.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.23.15.1573.31950
Subject(s) - medicine , hormonal contraception , pill , adverse effect , vaginal ring , desogestrel , pregnancy , family planning , etonogestrel , hormone , regimen , unintended pregnancy , medroxyprogesterone acetate , gynecology , obstetrics , physiology , population , endocrinology , pharmacology , research methodology , environmental health , biology , genetics
Over 16 million women in the United States take oral hormonal contraceptives, yet approximately 5% experience an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use. Compliance with the regimen is important in maintaining cycle control and preventing pregnancy. New hormonal contraceptive agents, norelgestromin‐ethinyl estradiol patch, etonogestrel‐ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, and medroxyprogesterone‐estradiol cypionate injection, were designed to increase compliance and decrease adverse effects while maintaining efficacy. Each one has potential advantages for women seeking alternatives to traditional oral contraceptives or for those who have trouble remembering to take a daily pill. Each agent also may have its own disadvantages, including application site reactions, need for monthly injections, and device‐related events; however, all have similar efficacy and adverse‐effect profiles compared with current oral hormonal contraceptives.