Contraceptive choice: responsibility of both women and men. (From the Editor).

This is the first issue of the SIECUS Report we have published on the subject of contraception since I became editor nearly eight years ago. So it is truly a "Contraceptive Update."

When I started researching the topic and seeking authors, I had misgivings about putting the Report together because I had limited knowledge about contraception.

As I talked to many people in this field, I learned a lot about long-standing contraceptive methods as well as newly available methods.

Just consider--Mirena, the intrauterine system; Ortho Evera, the contraceptive patch; NuvaRing, the contraceptive ring; Implanon, the progesterone implant; Lea's Shield, the cervical cap; and Essure, the female sterilization device.

MANY MEN UNINFORMED

I realized, however, as I continued to research the topic, that I was not alone. Many men are uninformed about contraception.

Our society tends to view contraception as a woman s issue. This update, for example, includes articles about contraceptive choices, emergency contraception, and policy issues. For the most part, they focus exclusively on women.

I'm sure this will not surprise anyone. After all, we are talking about preventing pregnancy, and only women can become pregnant.

At the same time, I think we can all agree that it is unfair to put all the burdens and responsibilities for pregnancy prevention on women. Men play an important role in family planning--not just on a personal level but also as policymakers, health care providers, researchers, and product marketers.

It seems important to me that we work to increase the knowledge that men have about contraception as well as their involvement in contraceptive use, decision-making, and communication concerning this issue.

One way to work toward this goal is through the research and development of male methods of contraception. As I worked on this issue, I realized that there has not been a new male method introduced since the condom over a century ago.

GOOD NEWS

We have included information in this SIECUS Report about a $9.5 million grant which the National Institutes of Health has just awarded to the University of Washington to establish a Male Contraception Research Center that will help expedite development of new contraceptives specifically for men.

Dr. William J. Bremner, who will serve as director of the university's new Center as well as its principal investigator, says that contraception for men is a neglected area of research.

"A variety of safe and effective contraceptive methods is necessary to respond to the needs of people of different backgrounds and ages, both male and female, throughout the world," he said.

The establishment of this Center is very good news--and an important "Contraceptive Update."

A REAL REVOLUTION?

Readers of this SIECUS Report will likely notice that two of our featured articles paint different pictures of the field of contraceptive technology.

On the one hand, professor Vicki Long provides us with an overview of new contraceptive options. Long, who is also a nurse practitioner, points out that these methods are now offered alongside a number of long-standing products and that women today have more options than ever before.

On the other hand, professor and writer Andrea Tone questions in our lead article whether we can consider these new options a second contraceptive "revolution." She terms them "minor improvements" or "new delivery vehicles" and points out that they rely on technology that has been in place since the advent of the pill.

CONCLUSION

Before concluding, I want to urge you to read the policy update in this issue of the SIECUS Report on "Election 2002: What Does It Mean for Reproductive and Sexual Health?" by William Smith, SIECUS director of public policy.

It provides an excellent overview of the recent federal elections during which the Republican Party gained control of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

All of us need to keep informed about activities in Washington because this turn of events does not bode well for reproductive and sexual health. We will keep you updated in future issues of the SIECUS Report.