Now, a birth control bonanza

As safer and more advanced contraceptives hit the market, women can tailor their methods to fit their lifestyles.

Date: Monday, July 10, 2006
Source: Los Angeles Times (US)
Author: Shari Roan

This is turning out to be a pivotal year in birth control.

In the last six months, the Food and Drug Administration has approved an oral contraceptive that eliminates a monthly menstrual period, and can prevent mood swings and other side effects. It also has approved two others that feature shorter periods. And soon it's expected to sign off on a yearlong oral contraceptive and a simpler version of a contraceptive implant.

Of course, there's no long-term data on the new methods -- and they aren't for everyone -- but doctors consider this new generation of birth control to be less risky and more sophisticated than the decades-old predecessors. And still in development are even safer, more advanced options -- with natural hormones and smoother delivery methods.

Read more here.

Read the article in the LA Times here.