Oral contraception schedules

So far no simple equivalent of the oral contraceptive pill has been developed for men. Relatively large doses of testosterone do inhibit gonadotrophin secretion and hence spermatogenesis, and different schedules are under clinical trial at present. 

In conclusion, contraception therapies with vaginal rings present excellent efficacy with little risk of side effects and appear to be as effective as oral contraception and IUD, in terms of pregnancy prevention [42]. Moreover, rings are characterized by important benefits like ease of use, long-term schedule, and user-controlled application. These versatile drug delivery systems appear to be safe, effective, and acceptable. 

There are data showing that rifamycins can reduce the plasma levels of norethisterone when it is used as a component of combined oral contraceptives (see Hormonal contraceptives + Rifamycins , p.lOOl). The manufacturer of Noristerat notes that enzyme inducers may reduce the efficacy of the norethisterone enantate injection. However, guidance from the FFPRHC Clinical Effectiveness Unit is to continue with the normal injection schedule for norethisterone.. ... 

The most fundamental societal change remained however reserved to the discovery of the pill . In times of economic awakening, student upheaval, women s emancipation movement, hippie culture, liberalisation in the Roman Catholic Church (in the wake of the 2nd Vatican Council, 1962-1965) and sexual laxity, the first hormonal oral contraceptives came on the market. In 1964, 2% of the women of child-bearing age took ovulation inhibitors by 1968, this number had already increased to 12 %, and by 1986, to more than 35 %. Nowadays, the pill is ranked as one ofthe safest contraceptives. Not only the active ingredients were improved, but also their dosages and dosing schedules. Through the experience over the last 30 years with many millions of women on the pill , the associated risks and side-effects are now well-known. 

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