�In the field
of sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]: development of noninvasive STD testing
methods (predicated upon molecular biologic techniques; development of syndromic
management for STDs in some developing country settings; and development of
transmission dynamics concepts, permitted in part by advances in mathematical
modeling.�
� Stuart Berman, MD, chief of the epidemiology and surveillance branch
in the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention�s division
of STD prevention
�The most important advances
in the last 25 years in reproductive health include the development of and
increasing access to mifepristone and medical abortion broadly; the broader
range of delivery mechanisms for hormonal contraception, such as the patch,
ring, and implants, and emergency contraception.�
� Kelly Blanchard, president of Ibis Reproductive Health in Cambridge,
MA
�I would suggest the
three most important advances are the availability of medical abortion, the
mainstreaming of emergency contraception, and the growth in condom use, especially
by adolescents. If only technology, I�d pick the shift from dilation and curettage
[D&C] to vacuum aspiration abortion.�
� Sharon Camp, president of the Alan Guttmacher Institute in New York
City
�In the field of sexually
transmitted infections, the most important for diagnosis and treatment include
polymerase chain reaction technology for easier screening, the development
of acyclovir, and HIV antiretroviral drugs.�
� Ward Cates Jr., MD, MPH, president/chief executive officer of the
Institute for Family Health at Family Health International in Research Triangle
Park, NC
�Medical abortion, the
levonorgestrel intrauterine system, and alternative delivery systems for contraceptive
steroids, such as the patch, ring, and implant.�
� David Grimes, MD, vice president of biomedical affairs at the Institute
for Family Health at Family Health International in Research Triangle Park,
NC
�Assisted reproductive
technologies must rank very highly. It of course has created problems, but
the amount of new knowledge gained will ultimately lead to progress with even
better methods of contraception. Induced abortion by medical treatment is
a tremendous step forward, especially in the developing world.
�The contribution to
worldwide family health is enormous. It is very important that we have established
the safety of estrogen-progestin contraception. The combined safety of lower
doses and better patient screening by informed clinicians now makes serious
side effects almost totally avoidable.�
� Leon Speroff, MD, associate director of the Women�s Health Research
Unit at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland
�Different ways of delivering
hormones is one of the greatest steps forward. Now that we know more about
their safety and health benefits, it is also wonderful to be able to offer
hormonal methods like the patch, the ring, the intrauterine system, injections,
and soon a new one-rod implant. These options give women greater flexibility
to find the method that best meets their needs.
� Susan Wysocki, RNC, NP, president and chief executive officer, Association
of Nurse Practitioners in Women�s Health in Washington, DC
�The three things I see
as most important are the lowering of the dose of ethinyl estradiol in combination
hormonal contraception; the development of�novel and more effective contraceptive
options for women, such as the injectable, newer intrauterine devices, the
patch, the vaginal ring, and Essure [transcervical sterilization]; and the
development of mifepristone.
� Edio Zampaglione, MD, director of contraception at Organon
Pharmaceuticals USA in Roseland, NJ