- Birth control methods are as old as history itself, although the majority of the oldest methods have been dispelled. Coitus interruptus, in which the man withdraws from the woman before ejaculation, is by far the oldest and one of the least effective birth control methods. Throughout the centuries, midwives and medicine men have concocted tonics that were thought to help prevent women from becoming pregnant, although no scientific evidence supports their effectiveness. The rhythm method, developed in the early 1900's, focused on not having sex while the woman is ovulating was a step forward in birth control, although it was far from foolproof. The first modern hormonal birth control method, the pill, was developed in 1960 and continues to be one of the most often used forms of birth control.
- Birth control has made a world of difference for women around the globe. Many women are working more and spending less time in the home, and preventing unplanned pregnancies lets women advance their careers and explore their options until they are ready for children. A number of women also have serious medical problems, such as high blood pressure and lupus that are aggravated by pregnancy, and preventing this until the conditions are under control can be life saving.
- There are a wide range of birth control options available. By far the most popular are birth control pills. Pills worm by introducing a low dose or hormones into the body to prevent ovulation. Barrier items, such as condoms, diaphragms and sponges prevent sperm from reaching eggs within the woman's body. There are also birth control shots that introduce a larger volume of hormones to prevent ovulation, and patches and produce a continual flow of hormones. Implants such as IUD's, are used long term and prevent pregnancy by regulating ovulation and preventing the release of eggs. Permanent options, such as tubal ligation, sever the Fallopian tubes and keep eggs from reaching the uterus.
- As more and more couples try and build solid careers and plan for their futures, they are waiting longer to have children. Birth control allows couples to wait until they are financially and mentally ready before having children. A number of women are faced with painful cramping, heavy bleeding, headaches and nausea every month when they cycle, and birth control can also help alleviate these severe menstrual symptoms.
- Hormonal birth control methods do have a list of side effects, some of them very serious. Women over the age of 35 and those that smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing blood clots while on birth control. Mood swings are also common while on birth control, as your body adjusts to the hormones. Birth control needs to be taken routinely to be most effective, so using it on a schedule is vital for optimum effectiveness.
