Although condoms and the pills still remain the most popular forms of contraception- we take a look at some of the other methods that have come and gone and others that have stuck since the beginning of birth control. Then we will take a look at what the future holds for contraception moving forward, with Lloyds Pharmacy.
Sex on Female First
1564- Most Linen Sheaths- Recommended by Gabriel Fallopius- who fallopian tubes were named after.
1700s- Condoms- These were made from animal intestines- called French Letters by the English and 'capotes anglaises' (English overcoats) by the French.
1858- Fine Rubber Condoms- These only covered the head but not the entire penis.
1882- The Diaphragm- This was invented by Wilhelm Mensinga- a sallow, dome shaped cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix.
1885- The Vaginal Suppository- Made from cocoa butter and quinine was put on the market.
1090- The IUD (Intrauterine Device) - A ring of silk worm gut that used to be inserted into the uterus.
1916- Margaret Sanger opened the first even birth control clinic in the United States. No doctors would work there but it's reported that she fitted 488 women with diaphragms before it was closed.
1930s- Latex Condom- This was thinner but stronger than rubber and animal intestine like its predecessor.
1961- Oral Contraceptives- Otherwise known as the pill is authorized in the UK. Each of the 1960s pills are the equivalent of seven of today's.
1984- The Morning After Pill- Previous methods were said to involve douching with Coca Cola?!
2003- Contraceptive Skin Patches- These release two hormones- synthetic estrogen and progesterone into the body.
2009- The Nuva Ring- A ring with combined progesterone and oestrogen.
The future seems to be spreading the responsibility across both genders rather than being more heavily weighted towards females. Here are four examples of what we might see in the next few years.
The Male injection- The male equivalent of the IUD- a gel is injected into the vas deferens or the tube where the sperm escape from and block it. There is a positive charge in the gel also which makes the sperm motionless. This is 100% effective, will last for 10 years and be available in 2015.
Origami Female Condom- The designer says that this is 'an elegant design that respects your body'. It is a pre-lubricated, silicon condom that is folded in an origami like style and inserted into the vagina. The ridges keeps it locked in place and it stretches during intercourse.
Remote Control Contraceptive- This microchip is an electronic version of birth control, which is implanted in the arm and releases hormones into the body. The dosage can be remotely altered or switched off when trying to conceive.
It is undetermined how effective this is yet, however it can last up to 16 years. Testing began in 2015 and it is due for release in 2018.
The Clean Sheet Pill- This is a non-hormonal pill that makes the man's muscles contract so no fluid is released, however the sensation for both partners is the same.
Effectiveness is around 95% but it is still in the funding stage, so we don't know when it will be released.
https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/blog/future-contraception/
tagged in Pill