Birth Control: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invest in once-a-month pill to avoid surprise pregnancy

Scientists have developed a technique that may eventually allow ladies to take birth control pills simply once a month. 

Birth control pills work great if women remember to take them every day but missing doses can mean a surprise pregnancy.

A tiny star-shaped tablet unfolds in the stomach and gradually releases the drug.

The experimental capsule is still years away from drugstores, but the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is investing 13 million dollars for further development of the once-a-month pill.

This, in hopes of eventually improving family planning options in developing countries.

Today, women who want the convenience of long-lasting contraception can choose among various devices, from a weekly patch to a monthly vaginal ring to an Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that lasts for years.

If this new plan pans out, women around the world say that birth control will become convenient.

(With inputs from agencies)