Latest research into dual-purpose contraceptives and non-hormonal contraception will be presented tomorrow at a major scientific conference in Melbourne.

In the first study to directly compare a contraceptive vaginal ring and skin patch, more women indicated overall satisfaction with the vaginal ring, researchers report in the current issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Many Australians are using not one but two contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.

Pills, sponges, IUDs, diaphragms-- women have many options for planning their fertility, none of them quite perfect. But what if men want to help out? They have only two options -- vasectomy, which is usually permanent, and condoms, which are crucial for dating but get old in long-term relationships.

Misconceptions around intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) mean that they are underused in developed countries, despite being a safe and effective form of contraception, says a women’s health expert in this week’s BMJ.

On May 22nd, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lybrel, the first continuous use drug product for prevention of pregnancy.