The History of Contraception
Contraception has been a topic of interest for centuries, with women seeking ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. In the Middle Ages, women wore iron caps on their cervixes, lubricated with a solution of mercury and lead, and inserted vaginal pessaries made of steel wire, which often caused infection and bedsores of the reproductive organs. At different times and in different countries, contraceptives were banned by the authorities or the church, and devices such as vaginal syringes or douches were periodically sold for cleansing the internal female organs.
Modern Contraceptive Methods
Today, contraceptives are designed with the principle of safety and ensured protection against unwanted pregnancy. Official contraceptive drugs are approved by official medicine and are divided into three types: physiological, barrier, and medication.
Barrier contraceptives aim to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The most famous barrier contraceptive is the condom (both male and female). Other barrier contraceptives include intrauterine devices, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and spermicidal agents. This is the most affordable and common method of protection not only against unwanted pregnancy but also against sexually transmitted infections.
Physiological contraception involves having intercourse on certain days of the female cycle to minimize the risk of becoming pregnant. Another method of physiological control is the method of interrupted coition. Although this method is free, it has a number of side effects, one of which is the possibility of getting pregnant.
Medication contraceptives are pills, as well as vaginal rings and spirals, that release hormones blocking the onset of ovulation. The cost of these pregnancy protection products varies from cheap to expensive. For example, some vaginal spirals cost $100 or more.
Choosing the Right Contraceptive
When assigning a woman a certain method of contraception, gynecologists often provide her with the opportunity to independently select the appropriate means from a number of similar ones. However, how to do this if the same drug has dozens of analogs similar in composition and action? When choosing a contraceptive, it is necessary to take into account not only its cost but also the balance of the expected effect and the real, as well as the presence of additional benefits and side effects.
The Importance of Contraception
It has long been proven that the prolonged absence of pregnancy is impairing the health of a woman, triggering a hormonal failure, as well as mental and organ diseases associated with it. At the same time, unwanted pregnancy and abortion can cause a woman no less harm than the prolonged absence of pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial for women to have access to safe and effective contraceptive methods to protect their health and well-being.
In conclusion, the history of contraception is a fascinating and complex topic, with methods ranging from barbaric to modern and safe. Today, women have access to a variety of contraceptive options, allowing them to choose the method that best suits their needs and lifestyle. It is essential for women to have access to safe and effective contraception to protect their health and well-being.
