You can take modern contraception for granted if you’ve got access to it. Over the past century, women have experienced a revolution in their lives.
Most contraceptives were ineffective and more effective at delaying pregnancy rather than preventing it before the advent of modern intrauterine devices or hormonal contraception.
The birth control pill was available to the public in the early 1960s. It marked a major turning point. Its low failure rate is one of its main advantages. Less than 1 percentWhen used correctly, it helped women take control of their contraception.
The pill may have serious side effects, but for many women this is a far less painful experience than the other methods.
1. Reusable Condoms
Since at least the 17th Century, people have been using sheaths to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. Initially, these were made out of Natural material, such as linen or animal intestines.
After a few years, the The invention of synthetic rubberThe rubber condom was invented in 1844. 1844, the rubber condom was created. Rinse and re-use the productIt was also thicker and less comfy than the male condoms of today.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Condoms made of disposable latexThe first time this was invented in the 1930s. These were thinner, more comfy and used only once.
In the late 1990s, US courts lifted a ban against the sale of “immoral products”, helping to increase condom usage.
2. Acid-soaked sponges
One traditional method of contraception is to use acid, which kills sperm. Inserting a sponge soaked in vinegarIn the vagina. The sponges were designed for specific purposes. Available commerciallyAt the dawn of the 20th Century, it contained a chemical spermicide.
Variations in the spermicidal spongStill available There are still a few left. One percent of women in UKUse the sponge today.
The average failure rate of young women is around Between 12 and 24 percent per annum. In general, young women are more fertile and more likely to become pregnant when using less effective methods.
3. Diaphragms & Caps
Diaphragms (and their Caps are smaller cousins.The first.
They work like condoms as physical barriers for sperm and, just like sponges, are used with chemical spermicide. The sponges are placed in the vagina before sex and should remain there for at least six hours afterward. Allow the spermicide kill sperm.
Before the Second World War, the cap and diaphragm was widely used by Americans and Europeans. But the The typical failure rate among young womenApproximately 12 percent use these methods. As a result of this, Less than 1% of women in the worldUse them today.
Barrier methods fail at high rates partly because they do not stop women from ovulating. Fertilisation rates are high if sperm make it through the barrier.
Another disadvantage is that the devices are hard to install and have to be done before sex. This means they must be put in place at a time when women would rather be doing other things.
4. Dosing with antiseptic
Traditionally, antiseptic solutions were used to rinse the vagina after an intercourse. Contraception in the early twentieth century. Douching has no effect on sperm already in the cervix. The effectiveness of vaginal douching is very low.
Today, health professionals Strongly discouragedDouching is harmful to the vaginal flora, which includes the natural bacteria that protects the vagina. This can cause irritation and infection.
5. Silkworm gut IUDs
Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) Remain popularThey didn’t work as well as modern products.
Early intrauterine methods were based on the (partially true) belief that anything inside the womb would likely prevent a fertilised ovum from implanting or developing. In the nineteenth century, wishbone-shaped pessaries, so called for their shape and size to prevent pregnancy were used.
The devices were made up of two arms, which protruded from the cervix and into the vagina. They also had a button-like end that covered the cervix. It’s hard to imagine The slings were comfortable.
Polish gynaecologist Richard Richter Published a paper in the year 1909About how he placed a silkworm-gut ring into a woman’s womb with two protruding threads to allow for removal. Many gynaecologists at the time were using similar devices in a discreet manner. Laws against the promotion of contraceptionIn many countries, there are numerous ways to get involved.
The Graefenberg ring, which was invented in the 1920s to replace silkworm guts with metal alloy rings, replaced the silkworm with a metal alloy ring. German gynaecologist Ernst Graefenberg tried pure silver first, but it was too heavy for the body. Absorb itThe blue color of the gums on women is a result of this.
The different kinds of Materials and shapes of IUDsThe devices were made in many shapes, including spirals and leaves, during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. However, researchers discovered that copper increased the effectiveness.
In the USA, there were 70 different intrauterine devices available in the 1970s.
One of these coils is the infamous Dalkon shield is allowedThe design of the threads that are used to retrieve the threads allows bacteria to enter the womb. The high number of infections was the reason for the decline in acceptance of intrauterine techniques during 1970s.
Modern intrauterine (IUD) devices are fully implanted in the womb and contain hormones such as progesterone or copper. They’re also safer and more efficient than older devices.
Infections due to The IUD is rare todaySometimes, this can happen within the first few days after insertion. Both copper and hormonal coils are now available. Failure rates less than 1 percent.
Women still find it difficult to choose a contraception method that is right for them. We have a variety of methods, which are rarely ineffective when used correctly. While new research focuses on reducing side effects, governments can invest in sexual services so that people have better and faster access to contraceptives as well as advice about the method they prefer.
Susan WalkerReader in Reproductive, Sexual and Contraceptive Health Anglia Ruskin University
This article has been republished by The ConversationUnder a Creative Commons License. The Licensed Terms are available here. Original Article.
