Advances in Modern Contraception: A Narrative Review of Emerging Devices and Methods

Abstract

Background: Contraception remains a cornerstone of reproductive health and a critical public health intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies and associated maternal morbidity. Despite the availability of multiple contraceptive methods, the global contraceptive landscape has historically been dominated by female-centred hormonal and permanent methods, often accompanied by significant physiological, psychological, and social burdens. In recent years, innovations in contraceptive technology have aimed to enhance user autonomy, improve safety profiles, expand non-hormonal options, and address the long-standing gender imbalance in contraceptive responsibility.

Objective: To review and synthesize evidence on newer contraceptive devices and methods introduced between 2020 and 2025, with particular emphasis on effectiveness, safety, acceptability, continuation rates, and their potential contribution to equitable reproductive health care.

Methods: A narrative review of literature published between January 2020 and December 2025 was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and qualitative research involving women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and, where applicable, men participating in contraceptive trials. Data were descriptively synthesized.

Results: Twenty eligible studies were identified. Newer contraceptive technologies included over-the-counter progestin-only pills, vaginal pH regulators, low-dose and novel combined oral contraceptives, single-rod implants, transdermal patches, long-acting vaginal rings, and emerging male contraceptive methods such as hormonal gels and injectable hydrogels. Overall, these methods demonstrated favourable contraceptive efficacy, acceptable safety profiles, and high user satisfaction, though method-specific adverse effects and population limitations were observed.

Conclusion: Advances in contraceptive technology from 2020–2025 represent a significant shift toward user-controlled, safer, and more inclusive reproductive health options. While female-centred innovations continue to evolve with improved hormonal profiles and delivery systems, emerging male contraceptives hold promise for redistributing contraceptive responsibility. Further long-term, population-specific, and implementation-focused studies are required to support widespread adoption and policy integration.