New vistas in contraceptive technology

Overview

Population forecasts predict that by 2050, about 150 million women (and couples) of child-bearing age will need contraception, and many of them are likely to find their needs unmet, due to problems of access, availability, and acceptability of the contraceptive options for one or both partners. Current contraceptive options are largely intended for use by women (pills, intrauterine devices [IUDs], injectables, and implants), with condoms and vasectomy being the only two options for men. In many countries, contraceptive use tends to be in the woman’s domain, in part due to the nature of the contraceptive. This article discusses how women’s health advocates have been able to raise important concerns regarding contraceptive technology and its development. It also reviews the range of new contraceptives that addresses issues of user autonomy and controllability, offers protection against pregnancy and STIs and HIV, and addresses male needs and concerns.

This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis. For the full table of contents for this and previous issues of this journal, please visit the Gender and Development website.