Contraception: An update for psychiatrists

Abstract

Despite significant advances in the field of contraceptive technology, especially that of hormonal contraception, during the past three decades, ever increasing numbers of unplanned pregnancies continue to remain problematic. This is to a great extent because of the fact that many women are still concerned about the safety of hormonal contraception and are unaware of their noncontraceptive benefits. It therefore behooves all of us as health care providers to assure thorough and appropriate counseling of the reproductive aged woman regarding the availability of these methods and to emphasize their contraceptive as well as their noncontraceptive health benefits.