Contraception - Casanova used half a lemon !
Celibacy is the only one hundred percent effective method of contraception. But it does have the disadvantage of being somewhat lonely. And even it isn’t guaranteed. There is at least one report of a virgin birth. But that was almost two thousand years ago, and may have been at least partly to blame on unusual activity in heavenly bodies. ( The kind in the sky, not in aerobics class!)
The search for the perfect contraceptive has been an interesting part of recent medical history. In more ancient times there was seldom a need for birth control - unless of course the women were taking lovers while not ever having sex with their husbands. In that case a pregnancy might be very politically incorrect.
The search for the perfect contraceptive has been an interesting part of recent medical history. In more ancient times there was seldom a need for birth control - unless of course the women were taking lovers while not ever having sex with their husbands. In that case a pregnancy might be very politically incorrect.
 |
 |
Condoms
It may be for this reason that Casanova is reputed to have used the skin of half a lemon as a primitive cervical cap. Condoms made of sheep’s intestine have been found in archeological excavations dating back 1400 years.
These are not that different from many modern condoms, although I would the archeologists that if they were planning on using them they might want to consider a backup method. (Many young men with ardent but as yet unfulfilled desires may feel that the condom hidden inside their wallet may end up going unused for almost as long a duration.)
These are not that different from many modern condoms, although I would the archeologists that if they were planning on using them they might want to consider a backup method. (Many young men with ardent but as yet unfulfilled desires may feel that the condom hidden inside their wallet may end up going unused for almost as long a duration.)
'C ' is for ....
The ideal contraceptive would reliably prevent pregnancy, have minimal or no side effects, and be easily reversible when the urge to start a family finally hits you. may be for this reason that Casanova is reputed to have used the skin of half a lemon as a primitive cervical cap.
Condoms made of sheep’s intestine have been found in archeological excavations dating back 1400 years.
Condoms made of sheep’s intestine have been found in archeological excavations dating back 1400 years.
Types of Condoms
These are not that different from many modern condoms, although I would the archeologists that if they were planning on using them they might want to consider a backup method.
Many young men with ardent but as yet unfulfilled desires may feel that the condom hidden inside their wallet may end up going unused for so long that it will itself become an archeological exhibit.
Some couples find it surprisingly hard to get pregnant. Others find it amazingly hard to avoid pregnancy.
The ideal contraceptive would reliably prevent pregnancy, have minimal or no side effects, and be easily reversible when the urge to start a family finally hits you.
Barrier methods of contraception
The most basic contraceptives are called the “barrier” contraceptives" - Casanova’s half a lemon or sheepskin condom. They form a barrier between the egg and the sperm.
Diaphragms, cervical caps, female condoms, and sponges all operate on this principle. These methods are all relatively safe, but require a fair amount of forethought and planning. You have to have the necessary supplies with you at the same time that means, motive and opportunity present themselves.
This requires a somewhat practical approach to love-making that does not quite fit in with the image of a couple racing towards each other’s open arms (in slow motion) through fields of daffodils. If you prefer the more spontaneous approach then you need a more automatic pilot approach to contraception.
Diaphragms, cervical caps, female condoms, and sponges all operate on this principle. These methods are all relatively safe, but require a fair amount of forethought and planning. You have to have the necessary supplies with you at the same time that means, motive and opportunity present themselves.
This requires a somewhat practical approach to love-making that does not quite fit in with the image of a couple racing towards each other’s open arms (in slow motion) through fields of daffodils. If you prefer the more spontaneous approach then you need a more automatic pilot approach to contraception.
Other barrier methods
Diaphragms, cervical caps, female condoms, vaginal sponges, and an old sock have all been used to try and prevent pregnancy.
All have advantages and disadvantages that I will describe in more detail later. In the meantime, the big message is "block the sperm"
All have advantages and disadvantages that I will describe in more detail later. In the meantime, the big message is "block the sperm"
IUD
An Intrauterine Device or IUD is a bit of plastic and wire that is put inside the uterus and keeps it from being a happy place for an egg and a sperm to take up residence.
Its main drawbacks are that it is slightly irritating, and therefore can cause a few extra cramps. It also may make it harder to get pregnant later on, so we recommend that it only be used in women who are just procrastinating before getting either themselves or their husbands permanently 'fixed' .
But once it is in it is good for a year or two, and a woman has quite a difficult time getting pregnant.
Its main drawbacks are that it is slightly irritating, and therefore can cause a few extra cramps. It also may make it harder to get pregnant later on, so we recommend that it only be used in women who are just procrastinating before getting either themselves or their husbands permanently 'fixed' .
But once it is in it is good for a year or two, and a woman has quite a difficult time getting pregnant.
Hormonal Contraception
The Birth Control Pill has just had its thirtieth birthday, and is currently the most common type of female contraception. By giving female sex hormones externally in pill form we can trick the ovaries into shutting down.
Shut down ovaries don’t release any eggs, and that is the basic mechanism of birth control pills. Birth control pills have a few disadvantages - you have to take them religiously every day, and they often cause weight gain, increased blood pressure, and mood changes. On the bright side, they have certain benefits - they seem to prevent hardening of the arteries, pelvic pains, anemia, cancer of the endometrium, and cancer of the ovary, and PMS.
Hormone injections are a simple and effective method for many women. One injection every three months is enough to be as certain as is possible of not getting pregnant. This method is useful for women who are having problems with side effects from birth control pills, or who know that they will have trouble remembering to take them.
Shut down ovaries don’t release any eggs, and that is the basic mechanism of birth control pills. Birth control pills have a few disadvantages - you have to take them religiously every day, and they often cause weight gain, increased blood pressure, and mood changes. On the bright side, they have certain benefits - they seem to prevent hardening of the arteries, pelvic pains, anemia, cancer of the endometrium, and cancer of the ovary, and PMS.
Hormone injections are a simple and effective method for many women. One injection every three months is enough to be as certain as is possible of not getting pregnant. This method is useful for women who are having problems with side effects from birth control pills, or who know that they will have trouble remembering to take them.
Emergency Contraception
For those who do forget, there is always the “Morning After Pill”, a type of emergency retroactive contraception. This is just several high strength birth control pills taken all in one day -- within three days of the time when the unprotected sex occurred.
The male pill operates on the same principle as the female pill. It gives free male hormones, which then makes the testicles shut down. Shut down testicles don’t produce any sperm. The only drawback is that shut down testicles shrink - a cosmetic quirk that may make the male pill unpopular for the time being. They are currently in use in Japan though - possible due to cultural differences! Further research is certain to improve contraception in the years to come.
In the meantime my favorite authority on the subject is an Irish woman I know who used to take two pills every day - so as not to have twins!
The male pill operates on the same principle as the female pill. It gives free male hormones, which then makes the testicles shut down. Shut down testicles don’t produce any sperm. The only drawback is that shut down testicles shrink - a cosmetic quirk that may make the male pill unpopular for the time being. They are currently in use in Japan though - possible due to cultural differences! Further research is certain to improve contraception in the years to come.
In the meantime my favorite authority on the subject is an Irish woman I know who used to take two pills every day - so as not to have twins!
Plan B:
.
Basal Body Temperate & Rhythm - Preferred method of Popes
.
.