By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for expanded access to safe and effective contraceptive options, including emergency contraception, longer-lasting implants and new methods being developed for men.
WHO says broader contraceptive choices can help people select methods that best suit their needs, while an estimated 164 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are currently not using contraception.
Under its new guidelines on expanding contraceptive options, WHO recommends alternative ways of using several existing methods. Combined oral contraceptive pills can be taken for extended periods of up to six months or continuously for up to one year, while contraceptive implants can be used for up to five years, potentially reducing replacement procedures, clinic visits and related costs.
WHO is also recommending mifepristone as an additional emergency contraception option, to be taken as soon as possible and within five days after unprotected sex.
According to WHO, available evidence indicates that mifepristone at doses of 10 to 50 milligrams is likely to be as safe and effective as other emergency contraceptive methods.
While expanding existing options, WHO is also looking toward the development of new contraceptive methods for men.
Men currently have relatively few methods under their control, mainly condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy, although around 30% of couples rely on a male method. WHO research found that more than 75% of surveyed couples would be willing to use a new male contraceptive, while more than 85% of women surveyed said they would trust their male partners to take responsibility for contraception.
WHO has developed its first Target Product Profile for male contraceptive methods, outlining characteristics future products should meet, including safety, effectiveness, acceptability and affordability. Several hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptives are currently being researched, with some promising candidates in advanced clinical trials.
WHO says this development could mean new reversible male contraceptives may reach the market within the next five to 10 years, potentially giving men more options to participate directly in family planning.
The post Male birth control could be 1 step closer to reality appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for expanded access to safe and effective contraceptive options, including emergency contraception, longer-lasting implants and new methods being developed for men. WHO says broader contraceptive choices can help people select methods that best suit their needs, while an estimated 164 million women who want to
The post Male birth control could be 1 step closer to reality appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
