The Contraceptive Handbook: A Guide to Safe and Effective Choices

Describes and evaluates all of the medically approved types of contraceptives in terms of effectiveness and safety

Appropriate for the newly sexually active, as well as for couples who may want to reconsider or change the birth control methods they currently use, this is an excellent and comprehensive up-to-date guide for reviewing and reevaluating contraceptive opinions. Winikoff, a physician with the Population Council, and Wymelenberg, a medical writer, begin with an in-depth discussion of anatomy and the physiology of sex and reproduction. They go on to evaluate the barrier methods of contraception, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges; hormonal methods such as oral contraceptives (the estrogen/progesterone contents of specific brands are provided) and the newer Norplant insert; intrauterine devices; and surgical methods (e.g., vasectomy and female sterilization). To their credit, the authors do not ignore other methods of fertility control--withdrawal, morning-after contraception and cycle-based fertility awareness. Count on them not to neglect newer methods, either: the female condom, vaginal rings and time-release injectable microspheres. Also assessed are abortion and the impending U.S. introduction of RU 486. abortifa cient.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Current, accurate information about birth control is an important part of any health and medical collection. This book provides such material in a very accessible form. A physician and a medical reporter present basic facts about anatomy and physiology and the latest information about barrier methods, pills, intrauterine devices, male and female sterilization, and natural methods of contraception. They discuss the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and methods of obtaining each type of contraceptive. They also deal with abortion, rape, and contraception while breast-feeding and cover new and experimental birth control methods like the spermicidal film and the female condom. This new information makes their book more current than Vern and Bonnie Bullough's Contraception: A Guide to Birth Control Methods ( LJ 4/15/90). Thorough, objective coverage makes The Contraceptive Handbook an excellent choice for all collections.
- Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.