Commercial usage of birth control methods started in the year 1960
With the exponential increase in the population of the world and the rising concern for HIV/AIDS is forcing us to think about methods to prevent births. The population of the world is estimated to be 6.4 billion, with an an annual increase of 76 million and , consequently, is projected to grow to 9 billion by 2050. In the next 20 years the two most populous nations, China & India are predicted to have a number that is 1.5 billion each i.e more than a third of the global population at that point. It’s a frightening circumstance for all of humanity to contain this “population increase”. So, United Nations are urging countries , especially those with high population to manage their population.
Based on the report on birth control methods, when applied in more than 169 countries, 137 millions women who are willing to defer their contraceptives 64 million women are taking less effective methods of birth control. If these women are assisted by a proper birth control regimen (like condoms, pills) 23 million of unwanted births, 2 million in-induced abortions, and 1.4 million babies could be avoided , according to estimates by the United Nations Population Fund.
Apart from population, HIV/AIDS can be an important cause of birth control. A total of 38 million people who are either AIDS or are infected via HIV (human immunodeficiency disease). Seven African countries, 1 out of five adults is diagnosed with HIV. Methods for controlling births are important to stop the spreading of HIV/AIDS for these regions. The number of people living in these countries is predicted to be 35% less by 2025 and free of HIV/AIDS. The reduction will further decrease the life expectancy of all people to an average 29 years in these nations.
Histories of Birth Control
In the year 200AD, Greek gynecologist Soranus said that women became fertile when they the time of ovulation. He recommended some birth control methods for women who want to avoid unwanted pregnancy, such as smearing oils of olive, pomegranate juice, tobacco juice, or ginger around the vagina to eliminate sperm, drinking water for blacksmiths to cool metals that were hot and leaping 7 times backwards following a sexual interaction. There are many birth control methods, including ayurvedic remedies were used in the past (aside from abstinence for sexual purposes). But, some documents from the past of Egyptian women who used herbs or acids such as Crocodile’s dung or lubricants, such as honey or olive oil used in the household for vaginal suppository. could have proved to be efficient in eliminating sperm.
However, commercial usage of birth control methods started in the year 1960, in the form of birth control pills. It was around 1950 in 1950, that the Planned Parenthood Federation of America invited biologist Dr. Gregory Pincus to develop oral contraceptives that was safe as well as safe for both husbands and wives. After undergoing numerous tests with over 6000 women from Puerto Rico and Haiti , it was the year 1960 when the first commercially-produced birth control pill, Enovid-10 was offered to women in the USA . The first oral contraceptive was comprised of two hormonal substances Estrogen (100 up to 175 micrograms) as well Progestin (10 mg). The tests proved that they were 99percent effective when used according to the directions. Based on estimates, more than 18 million women across the US depend on birth control pills.
Different types of birth control pills
In contrast to the long-standing oral contraceptives (which contained higher levels of hormones) Today’s birth control pills are lower doses with health advantages. Therefore, women can now use birth control pills with significantly lower risk to their health.
In general, there are three kinds that of birth control tablets that are available
1. Only pills that contain progestin (POP)
It’s also referred to as “mini-pill” with no estrogen. It is suggested for women who are breastfeeding since estrogen reduces the production of milk. The POP pill helps by increasing the thickness of cervical mucus this prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
2. Combination birth control pills
The well-known birth control pills contain a two hormones: estrogen and progestin. These kinds of oral contraceptives include 21 “active pills” and seven “placebos” which don’t contain hormones. They’re, in reality also known as “reminder pills”
The combination pills are further subdivided into three kinds of pills based on the levels of two hormones, progestin and estrogen.
I) The monophasic pills for birth control
Each active pill contains the same amount of estrogen and progestin. The remaining seven pills are placebos and do not contain any hormones. Menstrual cycle begins after these placebo pills are taken.
II) Birth control pills that are multiphasic
They’re also referred to as biphasic or oral contraceptives that are trphasic because of the different levels of hormones present in active pills. The pills must be taken at the exact intervals throughout its entire schedule. Birth control pills that are multiphasic assist in to reduce the risk of oral contraceptives.
iii) Continuous birth control pills
It is also often referred to as 365 days pills that can be taken all through being taken throughout the year-long interruption. It is the latest addition into the oral contraceptive pill into the market for birth control. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lybrel as the only birth control pill continuously currently approved and accessible to women of all ages. Women are not experiencing a menstrual cycles while taking Lybrel however, they may notice some breakout bleeding or spotting, especially during the first stage.
3) Birth control pills that are emergency
Also called “morning After pills” They are intended for protection against pregnancy immediately after an unprotected sex. It is strongly recommended to take these tablets within the first 48 hours and up to 72 hours for effectiveness in keeping you from becoming pregnant. They are not the usual oral contraceptives that allow you to decide on your birth control ahead of time. Also, emergency pills are taken in cases where women have been sexually attacked. FDA has accepted Plan B as the safest medication for emergencies. Because of OTC (over the over the counter) approval from FDA for women who are over 18 years of age, Plan B can be purchased at the pharmacy counter.