- Contraceptives have been used for many centuries, and historical documentation shows that even ancient Egyptians used contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. However, there is no exact date as to when contraceptives were discovered and put in to use. Different cultures created their own ways of preventing pregnancy, and these methods have changed over time. Most contraceptives were created to be used by women, though condoms were used by men as early as 950 B.C . In the early 1900s, researchers developed a birth control pill for women. This pill has evolved and now we see the use of estrogen, a mostly female hormone, to prevent pregnancy in a number of different forms although the pill is still very popular.
- Because of contraceptives, men and women have been able to control the number of children they produce while still fulfilling their own adult relationships. In the past, contraceptives were a symbol of control for women, as they allowed more control over how many children they gave birth to, which was a major health issue for many years. In recent years, birth control has been more widely accepted and used although some religious groups, as well as individuals, disagree with the use of birth control methods and drugs.
- The function of modern birth control is to prevent unintended pregnancy in the safest manner possible. Manufactured contraceptives are made to be as effective as possible, with little to no side effects. Some contraceptives also help women control, if not eliminate menstrual cycles and even facial acne. This is made possible by manipulating the release of estrogen and other chemicals that are absorbed by the body.
- There are many different methods and types of contraception available to women and a few different types to men. General methods include abstinence (refraining from sexual intercourse) and natural family planning (NFP), which is based on an individual woman's ovulation cycle. Devices, or a combination of devices and over-the-counter drugs, include male/female condoms; spermicide in the form of a jelly, tablet, suppository or foam; a diaphragm, which is a rubber device worn internally by a woman and covers the cervix; a cervical cap, which is similar to a diaphragm but shaped differently and must be used with spermicide to be effective; and a sponge, which must be used with a contraceptive foam. Prescription drugs include birth control pills; injections that last for various amounts of time; a vaginal ring; a patch that is worn on the body; or an intra-uterine device. Sterilization for men and women can be considered a contraceptive as well.
- There are often side effects caused by the use of prescription contraceptives, and some can be very dangerous. People who use or are considering the use of prescription contraceptives should do so under the guidance of a physician. The only contraceptive method that also prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is the latex condom.
