Norplant, six matchstick-sized capsules implanted under the arm's skin to release a contraceptive hormone for up to five years. IUDs, or intrauterine devices, inserted into the uterus by a health professional. The Paragard works for up to 10 years, and Progestasert, is replaced yearly. Vaginal spermicides, available without prescription in foam, cream, jelly, film, suppository or tablet. Preven kits, collection of ''morning after pills'' that may prevent pregnancy up to three days after unprotected sex.
Canadian women can slip in a little contraceptive sponge before sex.
European women have access to a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for five years, dramatically lowers menstrual blood loss and even is touted to shrink fibroids. Don't look for such options in a U.S. pharmacy yet, but they may be coming in a few years. Critics say the United States has been left behind as other countries embrace new contraceptives that provide women more choices in birth control. More than half a dozen new options deemed important by family planning experts sell abroad but not here. The last unique contraceptive to win U.S. approval was the female condom in 1993.