Levonorgestrel in contraceptives and multipurpose prevention technologies

Levonorgestrel in contraceptives and multipurpose prevention technologies: does this progestin increase HIV risk or interact with antiretrovirals?

Mounting observational evidence suggests that use of certain types of hormonal contraception, specifically the progestin-only injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), may be associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition in women [1]. This relationship has been examined in several observational studies and is currently being assessed in a randomized trial, the evidence for con...

Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health

Multipurpose prevention technologies for sexual and reproductive health: gaining momentum and promise.

Over the past four decades, the world has made substantial gains in the effort to prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and other reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Yet, STIs and RTIs still cause a heavy health burden, especially in developing countries, and there is an equally urgent unmet need for contraception [1–6]. To...

The New Extended-Cycle Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Oral Contraceptives

Effective contraceptive counseling requires an understanding of a woman's preferences and medical history as well as the risks, benefits, side effects, and contraindications of each contraceptive method. Hormonal contraceptives using a variety of delivery methods are highly effective and this review highlights the new extended-cycle levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol contraceptives. Extended-cycl...

Intravaginal rings as delivery systems for microbicides and multipurpose prevention technologies

There is a renewed interest in delivering pharmaceutical products via intravaginal rings (IVRs). IVRs are flexible torus-shaped drug delivery systems that can be easily inserted and removed by the woman and that provide both sustained and controlled drug release, lasting for several weeks to several months. In terms of women's health care products, it has been established that IVRs effectively ...