When was birth control invented?

The oldest known method of contraception is withdrawal, which has been referenced in texts from various cultures and eras. One of the most famous stories about this method is that of Onan, who refused to give his sperm in favor of his deceased brother Er. Ancient texts from Asia also mention practices related to withdrawal, such as Indian yogis' use of a special “mudra” to restrain ejaculation and Chinese thinkers' belief that sperm is a source of vital force that should be used sparingly.

Another natural method of contraception that has been used since ancient times is avoiding sex on fertile days of the cycle. Many cultures had traditions of sexual abstinence, which were often ritualistic in nature. The prototypes of today's condoms were also known in ancient Egypt and Rome, with special tampons soaked in various substances used as a barrier contraceptive.

Indian tribes practiced vaginal washing with lemon juice and mahogany bark infusion after sex, while many European peoples used various contraceptives of plant and animal origin. Intrauterine devices in the form of silver balls first appeared in China and Japan.

The history of contraception took a radical turn with the invention of hormonal drugs. Although development began in the early 20th century, the first contraceptive pills did not appear until the 1950s and 1960s. These early remedies contained high levels of hormones and caused serious side effects. However, modern hormonal contraceptives are considered safe and highly effective, and are also used to treat various gynecological diseases.

In conclusion, the history of contraception demonstrates the desire of people to invent easy-to-use and fairly effective contraceptives. From ancient practices to modern methods, the evolution of contraception has been significant, and it continues to play an important role in reproductive health today.