The vaginal pill and other new methods of contraception

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Abstract
Summary The oral contraceptive pill is undoubtedly the most successful contraceptive, being widely used in almost every country of the world (Djerassi, 1980). Highly effective because it inhibits ovulation, the pill remains the first choice for most women. In its low oestrogen formulation, introduced a decade ago, it is well tolerated and causes few undesirable side effects. In fact, epidemiological evidence indicates that pill use may reduce the incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancer, an added bonus for those who rely on its contraceptive protection for long periods of time (Vessey et al, 1977; Kaufman et al, 1980). The pill is always easily available and may be self-administered. It is therefore very close to being an ideal contraceptive, leaving other methods of contraception as alternatives to be considered only when a formal contraindication obviates the use of oral contraceptives. Attempts to improve the qualities of the pill and reduce its few limitations have been and should be further encouraged, in order to make its use even more widely accented.