The efficacy and acceptability of this method have been demonstrated in several large multicentre clinical trials and further safety studies are under way. Our research has demonstrated the feasibility of developing such a method by immunizing against a hormone produced by the fertilized egg and which is necessary for the initiation of pregnancy. A Phase I clinical trial showed the potential and safety of this approach and further development and clinical testing of this immunocontraceptive is under way. IUDs Intrauterine devices are one of the most commonly used and highly effective methods of reversible fertility regulation. An ongoing study by HRP has demonstrated the safety and contraceptive efficacy of the copper-releasing TCu380A IUD over more than 11 years of use.
Some women dislike IUDs because occasionally they experience heavy bleeding.
A new IUD, which releases a very small dose of the hormone levonorgestrel directly into the uterine cavity, and greatly reduces menstrual bleeding. Another multi centre study is comparing the Multiload IUD and the TCu380A and data are already available on more than three years of use. There is a need for effective contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or in cases of recognized failure of the regular contraceptive method used. IUD insertion is more effective, but is unsuitable for young, nulliparous women who constitute a size able proportion of those women requesting emergency contraception. HRP is in the forefront of research on improved methods of emergency contraception.