"The Birth Control"

The practice of birth control prevents conception, thus limiting reproduction. The term birth control was coined by Margaret Sanger in 1914, usually refers specifically to methods contraception, including sterilization.

Ttemps to control fertility have been going on for thousands of years. Several modern method of birth control are practiced by creating a barrier between the sperm and the egg cell. Condoms also help protect against the spread of venereal disease.

Even in ancient times, attempts were made to find a medicine that would prevent a woman's body from producing a baby. Researchers tried to find something that would work similarly in a woman's cervix. The earliest such objects were made of metal and were held in by prongs. Later, wire rings were placed beyond the cervix, in the uterus itself, thus giving rise to the term intrauterine device, or IUD.

Today, most IUD are made of plastic. Some types are combinations of plastic and copper, and must be replaced periodically. Unless a problem arises with their use, all plastic IUDs may be left in place until pregnancy is desired. Sometimes IUDs cause uterine infection, and the most common disturbance is bleeding. Millions of women have chosen IUDs, because of the low risk in using compared to their proven effectiveness and the convenience of continuous contraception.