Non-hormonal Contraception: Current and Emerging Targets.

Overview

There is a global need for effective, reversible contraception. While female hormonal options meet these criteria and are widely used, they are associated with side effects and may be contraindicated for women with certain pre-existing medical conditions. To meet the needs of women who cannot take or cannot tolerate these medications, several non-hormonal options are currently available, including copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), spermicides, and a new vaginal pH modulator (VPM). Several other options are currently in development, including vaginal rings, gels, and vaginally administered anti-sperm antibodies. For men, there are currently no contraceptive options available aside from condoms and vasectomy; however, several non-hormonal contraceptives targeting various aspects of sperm production and/or sperm function are currently under investigation. In this narrative review, we will discuss both the non-hormonal contraceptive methods currently available for women, as well as emerging non-hormonal medications, compounds, and devices for both genders.