Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-248) and index.

The History of Contraception -- Oral Contraceptives -- History -- Pharmacology -- Types of Oral Contraceptives -- Mechanism of Action -- Over-the-Counter-Pill Use -- Efficacy -- Use of Oral Contraceptives -- Directions for Use -- Noncontraceptive Health Benefits -- Hormonal Effects of Oral Contraceptives -- Evaluation of Side Effects -- Assessment of Pill Side Effects -- Possible Adverse Side Effects of Oral Contraceptive Use -- Clinical Management of Side Effects -- Medical Considerations -- Return of Fertility -- Fetal Effects -- Myths -- Counseling -- Resting -- Compliance/Continuation -- Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives -- Emergency Contraception -- Future Trends -- Contraceptive Implants -- Insertions -- Removals -- Side Effects -- Advantages -- Disadvantages -- Continuation Rates -- Candidates for Use -- Counseling -- Litigation -- Future Implants -- Injectable Contraceptives -- Administration -- Effectiveness -- Advantages -- Bleeding Patterns -- Cultural Attitudes -- Disadvantages -- Cancer -- Osteoporosis -- Future Fertility -- Future Fertility -- Fetal Effects -- Contraindications -- Usage -- New Injectables -- Intrauterine Devices -- History -- Development -- Current IUDs -- Dalkon Shield -- Mechanisms of Action -- Effectiveness -- Insertion -- Side Effects/Complications -- Advantages -- Disadvantages -- Good Candidates for IUD Use -- Poor Candidates for IUD Use -- Instructions for Use -- Myths and Misperceptions -- Usage -- Future IUDs -- Female Barrier Contraceptives -- Spermicides -- Diaphragm -- Cervical Cap -- Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge -- Female Condom -- Periodic Abstinence -- Methods -- Congenital Anomalies -- Effectiveness -- Advantages -- Disadvantages -- Lactational Amenorrhea -- Effectiveness -- Contraceptive Options -- Additional Methods of Female Contraception -- Vaginal Rings -- Contraceptive Patches -- Contraceptive Gels -- Female Sterilization -- Douching -- Female Immunologic Methods -- Male Contraception -- With drawal -- Condoms -- Male Sterilization -- Medical Approaches -- Male Immunological Methods -- Male Reactions -- The Current Status of Contraception -- The Need for Better Contraception -- The Current Status of Contraceptive Research and Development -- Funding Sources -- Drug and Device Regulation -- Innovation Versus Liability -- Political Considerations -- The Doctor-Patient Relationship -- The Loss of the U.S. Leadership Role -- The Future of Contraception.

With more options in contraception than ever before -- the Pill, IUDs, and implants, to name a few -- it's important to know which one is best for you. The Contraception Sourcebook provides answers to hundreds of questions about birth control.

We have long searched for the ideal contraceptive: one that is completely safe, thoroughly effective, socially acceptable, easily reversible, inexpensive, and convenient. Today the stakes are even higher -- the ideal contraceptive must also protect against the transmission of sexually contracted diseases. The contraception we choose not only needs to prevent pregnancy but, perhaps even more important, protect our health.

In The Contraception Sourcebook, Dr. Elizabeth B. Connell, a widely respected expert in the field, provides comprehensive coverage of each contraceptive method, including a clear and understandable analysis of its advantages and disadvantages as well as a lively discussion of its origins.

Here, in complete detail, every form of birth control is reviewed, from oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices to the rhythm method to the latest advances in the field. The Contraception Sourcebook is a straightforward and jargon-free guide to birth control options and an invaluable resource for meeting your own contraceptive needs.