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Today, women have access to a variety of but very reliable types of contraception – for example, an effective and low-dose drug with a dynamic content of hormones that is as close to natural as possible has recently appeared. And we cannot even imagine how people once did without it.
If you are asked about when the idea of avoiding conception at an inconvenient moment appeared, you will almost certainly answer – in the 60s! And you will be right in a sense, because at this time the need to prevent unwanted pregnancies reached its peak. But it appeared, of course, not 50 years ago.
Power of nature
The rationale in ancient contraception was the use of the natural contraceptive properties of plants. With varying efficiency and in different forms, women used almost everything that grew near their home. In part, this technique gave rise to modern spermicides, and in part – barrier contraception: Egyptians used tampons soaked in acacia juice and honey, and Casanova advised using half a lemon as a vaginal cap. As a result, a natural acidic environment was created and the risk of conception was reduced.
Proto-condoms
The savvy ancient Greeks used covers made of fabric impregnated with special compositions, animal intestines and even parchment, and in Japan they preferred thin leather. It was this method that became salvation in the Middle Ages, when syphilis spread throughout Europe and the church was forced to soften its views on protection. But these linen bags were very far from modern condoms.
Modern types of contraception
Achievements of the 20th century
Nevertheless, some methods of preventing pregnancy have appeared relatively recently. And the main one, undoubtedly, has become hormonal contraception. Research in this area began in 1901, when the relationship between the production of female hormones and the onset of pregnancy was clarified.
What’s next?
Since then, the main direction of development in this area has been to reduce the doses of hormones in oral contraceptives, and more recently, scientists have achieved a mini-breakthrough. The first drug was developed, which contains the closest natural estradiol and dienogest. The most interesting thing is that their concentration in a particular pill depends on the day of the menstrual cycle when it should be taken. This scheme allows you to provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy in harmony with the female nature.
An invitation to … a gynecologist!
Any of the ancient women would have envied how simple and convenient it is to prevent unwanted pregnancies today. Therefore, it is especially disappointing that many otherwise modern women still rely on hopelessly outdated methods. Maybe it’s time to visit a gynecologist and find out what new doctors are proposing today?