The Contraceptive Handbook: A Guide to Safe and Effective Choices

Appropriate for the newly sexually active, as well as for couples who may want to reconsider or change the birth control methods they currently use, this is an excellent and comprehensive up-to-date guide for reviewing and reevaluating contraceptive opinions. Winikoff, a physician with the Population Council, and Wymelenberg, a medical writer, begin with an in-depth discussion of anatomy and the physiology of sex and reproduction. They go on to evaluate the barrier methods of contraception, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges; hormonal methods such as oral contraceptives (the estrogen/progesterone contents of specific brands are provided) and the newer Norplant insert; intrauterine devices; and surgical methods (e.g., vasectomy and female sterilization). To their credit, the authors do not ignore other methods of fertility control--withdrawal, morning-after contraception and cycle-based fertility awareness. Count on them not to neglect newer methods, either: the female condom, vaginal rings and time-release injectable microspheres. Also assessed are abortion and the impending U.S. introduction of RU 486. abortifa cient. (July)