Breakthroughs involving innovative methods of hormonal and nonhormonal birth control have been severely limited in the United States over the last 30 years. This trend has changed with the introduction of new choices in birth control in the 1990s. This article focuses on these advances in hormonal contraception and provides information on the use of oral contraceptives, hormonal implants, and injectable methods of contraception currently available in the United States. Each method is assessed and recommendations are made for proper patient and method selection. This information is intended to supply the pharmacist with sufficient information to appropriately counsel patients on the use of hormonal contraception in the 1990s.
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