Meet the Experts
Today many women are reluctant to use any of the existing contraceptive methods due to side effects or fear of experiencing such effects. Unsafe abortion is a major contributor to maternal mortality. Therefore effective methods for contraception and safe and acceptable methods for termination of unwanted pregnancies are prerequisites for reproductive health, for gender equality and for the empowerment of women. New methods for contraception are also needed including improved methods for emergency contraception and new mechanisms of action as well as mode of delivery. Additional health benefits of contraceptive methods such as protection against various cancers, and a wide range of other benefits need to be better recognized. Based on their mechanisms of action Progesterone receptor modulators can be used for emergency contraception as well as regular contraception by various modes of delivery. Progesterone receptor modulators have been shown to be effective when used on demand post coital, as daily pills, once-weekly or once-a-month. The use of progesterone receptor modulators for contraception and positive health benefits such as the possible protection against breast cancer as well as prevention of uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis deserves to be further explored.