title: Contraception: what has changed over the past decade?
abstract: The past decade has seen major advances in contraceptive technology. These have resulted in the launch of several new highly effective methods of contraception and also significant improvements in existing methods. The main purpose of this article is to review how the contraceptive field has changed over the past 10 years, explain the new methods that have become available, e.g. hormone-releasing intrauterine systems, hormone implants and female condoms, re-examine existing methods, and mention new research and how this has affected clinical practice over the past decade. When discussing contraception, clients should be given up-to-date and accurate information on currently available methods: their efficacy, advantages, disadvantages and how the method works. As with any other specialty in medicine, nurses offering contraceptive advice should ensure they regularly update their knowledge and are aware of new developments and research in order to facilitate their clients in making an informed choice. New research and developments affect the choices and potentially the health of a large part of the population.
authors.affiliation: King's Healthcare NHS Trust, King's College Hospital, London.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male