Advances in controlled release hormonal technologies for contraception: A review of existing devices, underlying mechanisms, and future directions

Application of Sol–Gels for Treatment of Gynaecological Conditions—Physiological Perspectives and Emerging Concepts in Intravaginal Drug Delivery

“…Hormonal contraceptives based on combined oestrogen and progestin, or progestin alone, are used widely for contraception as well as non-contraceptive purposes such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and anaemia, and are available as combined oral contraceptives (COCs), emergency pills, intramuscular depots, subdermal implants, and intrauterine devices [ 120 , 121 ]. Despite the availability of several hormonal vaginal and non-vaginal contraceptives, vaginal contraceptives are gaining in popularity due to the advantages that the vaginal route offers compared to non-vaginal routes [ 78 ].…”

“…Despite the availability of several hormonal vaginal and non-vaginal contraceptives, vaginal contraceptives are gaining in popularity due to the advantages that the vaginal route offers compared to non-vaginal routes [ 78 ]. Nevertheless, high costs, side effects such as weight gain, low libido, depression, increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and venous thromboembolism, the necessity of strict adherence to the dosage regimen of COCs, and the requirement of trained personnel for vaginal use reduce patient compliance [ 78 , 121 , 122 ]. This has resulted in almost 99 million unplanned pregnancies worldwide annually, highlighting the need for novel controlled-release contraceptives that can reduce side effects, and so aid in patient compliance and adherence [ 78 , 121 , 122 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, high costs, side effects such as weight gain, low libido, depression, increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and venous thromboembolism, the necessity of strict adherence to the dosage regimen of COCs, and the requirement of trained personnel for vaginal use reduce patient compliance [ 78 , 121 , 122 ]. This has resulted in almost 99 million unplanned pregnancies worldwide annually, highlighting the need for novel controlled-release contraceptives that can reduce side effects, and so aid in patient compliance and adherence [ 78 , 121 , 122 ]. Recently, in May, 2020, a relatively safer and more convenient non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive gel (Phexxi TM ) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is appealing to women not preferring hormonal drugs due to pre-existing medical conditions or simply wanting to avoid hormone-associated side effects [ 123 ].…”

Translation of Polymeric Microneedles for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Trends, Progress, and Challenges

“…Current patches are more than 99% effective (when used correctly) against pregnancies but do not protect against STIs such as less effective barrier devices in the same way as condoms. The number of drugs that can be integrated into an MN patch is limited and this technology is yet to be tested in humans as far as the authors are aware [ 267 ].…”

Monodispersed sodium hyaluronate microcapsules for transdermal drug delivery systems

“…Biodegradable microneedles (MNs) are an alternative to oral and subcutaneous injections and are minimally invasive DDSs that deliver drugs through the skin [38][39][40] . MNs, biodegradable polymers that are loaded with drugs and molded into needle shapes, penetrate the stratum corneum to deliver drugs (including polymeric and water-soluble ones) directly into the skin.…”