Inter-uterine device
During a recent family planning conference, presenters told of Arab traders inserting small stones into the uteruses of their camel to prevent pregnancy. Though the concept is similar to the modern inter-uterine device (IUD), the story was told for entertainment purposes. The first inter-uterine devices that occupied both the vagina and the uterus were first sold in 1900 while the first intrauterine device contained entirely in the uterus was described in a German publication in 1909. The rhythm method was developed in the early 20th century, as researchers discovered that a woman only ovulates once per menstrual cycle.
Although the success rate for the rhythm method was low at 10 percent a year. It wasn't until scientists learned more about a woman's menstrual cycle and the hormones that controlled it that they began developing contraceptives for use. It was also during the mid-20th century that modern methods of fertility awareness, sometimes referred to as natural family planning, were developed.
Other contraceptive devices, methods and medicines used are the following:
- Three colored condoms - Ortho Tri-cyclen, a brand of oral contraceptive, in a dial dispenser.
- Celibacy, or sexual abstinence
- Non-vaginal sex, such as sex without penetration or outercourse
- Anal sex or oral sex
- Withdrawal, i.e. coitus interruptus
- Barrier methods, often combined with spermicides
- Condom (male and female)
- Diaphragm
- Lea's shield
- Cervical cap
- Contraceptive sponge
- Chemical methods
- Combined estrogen & progesterone:
- Combined oral contraceptive pill ("The Pill")
- Contraceptive patch
- Contraceptive vaginal ring
- Lunelle (monthly injection)
- Progesterone used alone:
- Progesterone Only Pill (POP)
- Depo Provera (injection every three months)
- Implants (such as Norplant or Implanon)
- Intrauterine methods: Intrauterine Device "IUD which may also be used for emergency contraception" and IntraUterine System
- Fertility awareness or sometimes called natural family planning
- Basal body temperature
- Billings ovulation method
- Creighton Model
- Rhythm Method
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
- Abortion methods
- Surgical abortion
- Chemical abortion
- Herbal abortifacients
- Surgical sterilization
- Tubal ligation for women
- Vasectomy for men
Currently there are experimental male contraceptives being tested out as future alternatives to condoms and vasectomy. Most pills combined with POPs can be taken in high doses as emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after” pill.
Birth control and STDs
There is the mistaken belief that birth control pills and methods can not only prevent pregnancy but also protect the users from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) especially the dreaded AIDS. This is far from the truth as the only birth control instrument shown to be effective in protection from STDs is the modern condom.
Birth control pills and other types of birth control devices or medicines like the intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation won’t give protection from STDs.
Another popular misconception is that the dental dam, a square piece of rubber used by dentists during oral surgery and other procedures can be used as a birth control method. This is untrue though dental dams can help protect people from STDs, including HIV, during oral and anal sex. Dental dams are placed over the opening to the vagina before having oral sex and these can be purchased at surgical supply stores.
Meanwhile those allergic to latex condoms can use condoms made of polyurethane. They come lubricated, which can make sexual intercourse comfortable and pleasurable and non-lubricated for use during oral sex. Latex or polyurethane condoms offer better protection from STDs than “natural” condoms made from materials like lambskin which have tiny pores that can allow the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.
When using non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, one can add water-based lubricants like KY jelly bought in drug stores. One should not use oil-based products like massage oils, baby oil, lotions and petroleum jelly to lubricate a condom, since it can weaken and tear it up. Using the condom correctly is important and if one is unfamiliar with its use, the doctor or nurse can provide advice. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t assume that partners are familiar with it. Research is underway on the so-called female condom which is built for practically the same purpose as male condoms (to be concluded).
Go to Part One of Getting the Fact on Birth Control
