Contraception has been around for a long time, with clinical trials beginning as early as 1954. So why does it feel like there hasn’t been much of an update since then? Sure, there were a few more modern developments besides the pill, like implants, rings, IUDs, and what might be the ultimate form of contraception, abstinence! While it seems like there are several options for contraception, even for birth control pills alone there is a variety to choose from, all of these methods (except for abstinence) have hormones. Birth control with hormones can be very beneficial for many women, especially for regularizing periods, clearing up acne, reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, and more. At least 50% of women who take birth control pills use them for purposes other than contraception. However, because of some of the hormones in birth control, there are several unpleasant side effects, such as weight gain, mood swings, and decreased libido, among others that negatively impact plenty of women. IUDs can last for a few years, but they can also be painful when inserted, potentially cause the growth of ovarian cysts, and irregulate your period. Rings need to be inserted once a month, which seems fairly inconvenient, depending on your lifestyle. Implants can last for up to 3 years, but they require an operation to place the small piece of plastic into your arm. Presently, there are a couple of hormone-free contraception methods, but they are not as common and are less effective. Again, there are options, but what if they’re not enough? What if none of these methods suit your health and your overall way of life? Most of these forms of contraception may be less than ideal, or could use a bit of an upgrade at the very least.
Fear not! There can be a better contraceptive option that will meet your needs, and potentially, soon. Researchers are currently working on clinical trials to discover new and improved methods of contraception. As a result, we now have the opportunity to play a significant role in the future of contraception by participating in some of these clinical trials. You may even get compensated for your participation! One of the clinical trials is seeking women who are interested in a long-lasting form of birth control. The clinical trial involves a birth control shot that women would receive only one time, and then the contraceptive is estimated to last for 6 months. Besides contraceptives from clinical trials, there is a new contraceptive product in the form of a vaginal gel and it is used on an as needed basis. Phexxi, the vaginal gel, is used up to an hour before sex and is the newest form of birth control without any hormones. Phexxi is also safe and discreet; it comes wrapped in a small applicator. However, if you are planning on another round of sex, you will need to use a second applicator and reapply the Phexxi gel . This is a great option for women who do not want to worry about having to take birth control every day and for women who are not regularly sexually active.
As innovative as some of these contraceptives are, why should the women get to have all of the fun? There are now male contraceptives that are being developed and studied in clinical trials. A male contraceptive gel, Nestorone, is currently being investigated in a clinical trial. The clinical trial for testing Nestorone is seeking male and female partners to participate in the study as a couple, and requires the male participants to apply Nestorone every morning. Though Nestorone is a hormonal contraceptive, there are also nonhormonal male contraceptives that are on the horizon, but they are still only at the preclinical stages. Hopefully, there will be more developments soon. Thus, with the impending arrival of male birth control, men will finally have the opportunity to understand just a smidge of what it’s like to be a responsible woman needing to take preventative action.
While clinical trials for birth control began in 1954, the FDA only approved the pill in 1960. It took a long time until birth control became accessible for women, and it has been a long time since any novel contraceptives have been developed. However, participating in clinical trials enables us to actually have a voice and make a difference. The future of birth control and contraceptives is ours to define.
- https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fda-approves-the-pill
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/2613/9611/6275/History_of_BC_Methods.pdf
- https://birthcontrol.com/blog/why-did-they-have-to-call-it-birth-control/
- https://birthcontrol.com/options/birth-control-pills/
- https://studypages.com/s/taking-a-birth-control-pill-or-planning-to-willing-to-use-a-birth-control-implant-too-839118/
- https://studypages.com/s/join-a-study-to-help-us-develop-a-new-long-lasting-birth-control-shot-704513/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/new-non-hormonal-birth-control#phexxi
- https://studypages.com/s/join-a-research-study-of-a-potential-new-form-of-male-birth-control-943837/
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