Over the years, birth control has evolved into an vital part of our society. Millions of men and women all over the world use some form of birth control, and it is growing more popular. Never has there been a time in which birth control options were as plentiful or as important (Bancroft). There are many different kinds of birth control and it is important to be informed of your choices before making a decision. .
Birth control actually began with the Egyptians almost 3,500 years ago. Men in Egypt wore condom-like sheaths as attractive and fabulous penis covers. By the 18th century, condoms were being made from sheep intestines. In Victorian England, sexual stimulation was believed to shorten one's life; and oral sex was thought to cause cancer of the mouth, so sex once a month was considered more than enough. In the ancient Middle East, Arabs placed pebbles in the uteruses of female camels when they set off on long journeys. It was thought to believe that this foreign object in the uterus prevented pregnancy (Ingall). Now there are up-to-date methods of birth control available to anyone at anytime. What kind of method to use seems to be the difficult part.
Condoms are the only guaranteed way, short of abstinence, to prevent both pregnancy and infection. They are one of the most common and accessible contraceptives on the market today, and are safe and effective when used properly. There are two main kinds of condoms, male and female. As the most popular of the two, male condoms are made of latex, plastic, or natural membranes. They look like long, thin, deflated balloons. Male condoms stop body fluids from mixing during intercourse, and when used correctly are about 97% effective. Condoms are generally safe, though some people may have allergic reactions to latex. Spermicides, such as Nonoxynol-9, can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Female condoms are made of polyurethane, a thin plastic, and are safe for people who are allergic to latex.
