Hello everyone! I am currently taking WGS 210- Women and Gender in Science through Distance Education. For our final project, two other students and I created a Zine to distribute on the history of contraception. To help distribute this, we have chosen the ever-popular Wolf Web! It's a long reading, since I can't get the images to post here. But if you would like to see a condensed narrated slideshow, feel free to log into Voicethread at this link http://voicethread.com/share/1262885/ , and we will explain the information to you.

Please take a moment to view our project, and I hope everyone enjoys it and learns something. Thank you!




Contraception through the ages…………….
By: Allison Duncan, Casey Parris, Brianna Nordstrom

“Women and men have been using birth control since ancient times. The oldest guide to contraception, the Petrie Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus dating to 1850 B.C., recommended vaginal suppositories made of crocodile dung, gum or a mixture of honey and sodium carbonate. Aristotle, writing in the fourth century B.C., noted the tendency of women of his day to coat their cervixes with olive oil before intercourse. Women in preindustrial West Africa made intra-vaginal plus or crushed root, Japanese women made tampons of bamboo tissue, and women of Easter Island made algae and seaweed pessaries” (Tone, 2001). “In the early eighteenth century, condoms made from oiled silk, fish bladders, and the intestines of goats, lambs, sheep, and calves were bought and used as contraceptives, making condoms the first modern birth control to acquire commercial viability” (Tone, 2001).

However in 1873, a man named Anthony Comstock created a law banning any type of contraceptive device from being sold or produced. “The Comstock Act defined contraceptives as obscene and inaugurated a century of indignities associated with birth control’s illicit status” (Tone, 2001). “Too often, historians have characterized Comstock’s bill as a measure whose sole objective was to control women by banning contraceptives and abortion; Comstock’s successful criminalization of the fertility control business, moreover, has fanned the belief that he was little more than a nineteenth century-stumbling block on women’s path to progress” (Tone, 2001). Comstock made it his mission to find and arrest anyone who tried to sell or even promote women and men using contraceptive devices. However many women did not let Comstock take away their ability to choose to protect their bodies against pregnancy, women would find ways to obtain contraceptive devices on the “black market for birth control.”

Margaret Sanger
Many women made a mark on the birth control movement and were strong role models for women during the 1800s. Margaret Sanger was a female activist for birth control and founder of the American Birth Control League (Tone, 2001). Sanger can also be known as the mother of birth control (Tone, 2001). Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the United States on October 16, 1916 offering devices like condoms and diaphragms to women (Tone, 2001). Margaret Sanger had a very big impact on women’s rights especially when it came to women’s reproductive rights. Sarah Chase who was “a graduate of the Clevland Homeopatic College, … had moved to Manhattan with her eight year old daughter, Grace, in 1874, earning a living giving talks on physiology and sexology at church and meeting halls (Tone, 2001).” She would sell contraceptive devices after her talks at churches and meeting halls. The type of contraceptive devices that she sold included condoms, bottles for abortion, syringes, pills for abortion, and powders for preventing conception (Tone, 2001). Chase was arrested a few times by Comstock but only one arrest lead to jail time (Tone, 2001). Antoinette Hon is another example that is given in the book Devices and Desires of a woman that is a contraceptive entrepreneur. Hon was from South Bend, Indiana and with her husband’s help she “specialized in birth control, although she also sold stomach tablets and invigorating pills (Tone, 2001).” One reason as to why so many women found the contraceptive producing business successful was because “many contemporaries denounced female entrepreneurship as a transgression of gender roles, but the contraceptive business had already been branded illegitimate (Tone, 2001).” Also “at a time when almost all doctors, druggists, sales agents and vendors were men, women contraceptive entrepreneurs made biological difference a marketing advantage, urging women to place their confidence in products designed by those with firsthand knowledge of childbearing and its prevention (Tone, 2001).” The fact that women felt more comfortable buying The first birth control clinic that Margaret Sanger opened in 1916.

8/5/2010 3:29:42 PM

Birth control from women could be because they had similar emotional feelings and would feel more comfortable discussing issues or asking questions/

There are three different types of contraceptives: barrier, chemical, and intrauterine. Barrier methods prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching the cervix (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Barrier Methods usually have fewer side effects than many other methods, and most barrier methods, especially condoms, can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Intrauterine types of contraceptives which include IUDs are devices that fit inside a women’s uterus that contain copper or progestin (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). “Chemical contraceptives have traditionally been used in one of two ways: a spermicide (usually in the form of a foam, jelly or tablet) is inserted into the vagina about half an hour before having sex. If the sexual ‘session’ happens to go on for a long time, a top-up dose of spermicide should be inserted. With a barrier method, such as a condom, sponge, cap or diaphragm, generally, you smear a spermicidal jelly or cream onto the diaphragm or cap before putting the device inside you. This ‘seals the edges’, and makes it less likely that your partner’s sperms will get past the barrier” (Delvin, 2010). The following pages provide information for women and men about the different types of contraceptive devices available for use. The pages focus on the contraceptive devices history, effectiveness, cost, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a form of birth control which is basically a latex cup. The cup is inserted within a woman and filled with spermicide. The cup catches sperm and keeps it from moving (Planned Parenthood, 2010). The first diaphragm was invented in 1842 by a gynecologist from Germany named W.P.J. Mensinga (Tone, 2001, 56).

Like many birth control devices, advertising the diaphragm was seen as an obscenity at the time. In 1847, Dr. Wallace Scott Tarbox from Boston was arrested for advertising the device, called “Dr. Cameron’s Patent Family Regulator or Wife’s Protector”. It was hoped that the arrest would discourage others from using or selling the device, but this did not hold true as the Supreme Court overturned the conviction (Tone, 57.)

The diaphragm showed growth in the area of women’s rights. A Pennsylvania Medical College graduate named Edward Bliss Foote created a one-size-fits-all diaphragm in the 1860’s (Tone, 57). When advertising for the device he wrote, “It places conception entirely under the control of the wife, to whom it naturally belongs.” This was a step in the direction of women’s suffrage by not only allowing them to make family decisions, but to recognize their ultimate control.

The diaphragm is slightly less effective compared to other birth control methods. Six percent of women using this will become pregnant (Planned Parenthood, 2010). Side effects may include urinary tract infections, and allergic reactions or irritation if allergic to latex.

Besides preventing pregnancy, there are numerous benefits to using a diaphragm. They are reusable, saving money. There are no effects on hormones, as opposed to birth control pills. With no prescriptions in the bloodstream, a woman is able to use the diaphragm during breastfeeding. It is also isn’t intrusive into a woman’s personal life, inserted well ahead of time, up to six hours in advance (Our Bodies, Ourselves; 360), and can be left in for 24 hours afterwards . The device can lasts for two years before recommended replacement.

Some disadvantages include the time consuming chore of cleaning the reusable device. Women are also unable to use during their menstrual periods. Sometimes, the diaphragm doesn’t always stay in place. It can also be expensive at the time of purchase, costing up to $75. It may also need occasional fitting and refitting at a clinic (Our Bodies, Ourselves; 360)

Diaphragms were newcomers in the 1800’s, unlike other birth control methods. Their controversy allowed for women’s rights to make an appearance in the forefront of society. Diaphragms are similar to condoms, but include additional advantages and disadvantages do differ themselves.

Condoms
Early devices similar to the condom were first used in Egypt around 1200 B.C, when Egyptian men wore “penis sheets” for protection (Tone, 51). The first condoms used in America were in the pre-industrial age, when condoms were shipped in from Europe. These condoms were made either of linen, or of intestine from animals such as fish and goats (14). Uberto Ezell, an inventor from Texas, patented the modern condom. In 1904, he applied for a patent with the description of his condom as “a male pouch”. Its use: to be put on “the male organ to catch and retain all discharges coming therefrom” (31). Condoms were made legal and regulated by the government in the 1930’s.
Condoms were among the first contraceptives to be sold here in America, and developed quickly. In the late 1800’s, rubber began being used in factories, and became the leading material for condoms (30). Condoms weren’t the only contraceptive available for purchase. Diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps were also available for delivery during this time. These contraceptives were available from rubber vendors and pharmacies. However, being seen buying contraceptives in public was less acceptable at this time, so ordering these devices by mail was a very popular way of purchase.
While an abundance of respected distributors were available during this American rise of contraception, plenty of controversy surrounded it due to its availability to everyone, allowing unmarried to freely have sex without consequences. It didn’t take long for the public to notice the benefits. Advertisements for the condom were seen in magazines by the late 1800’s, but were significantly vague. In the National Police Gazette, condoms were advertised as “rubber goods…for gents. [25] cents each” (30).

No prescriptions are necessary to use a condom today, just like it was to start with. Side effects are few. Typical reactions are only from allergies to latex. The effective of a condom is rated at 98%. The cost of condoms is less than one dollar each (Planned Parenthood, 2010).
Original Condom invented by Ezell (Black Market Birth Control, 2000)
There are obvious advantages from using condoms. The main benefit is that it protects from pregnancy as well as from sexually transmitted diseases. The cost is small, and they are disposable (PP, 2010).

There are also a few disadvantages to take note of. Condoms may make things less sensitive for the male who is using it. Also, 6% of population has allergies to condoms, mostly due to the latex.

Condoms are one of the most popular forms of birth control around. After looking into the history, you can see that it is nothing new. However, it took governments well into the twentieth century to make it legal. Until that time, arrests were made due to the devices. They are currently regulated by the government, and hold many benefits, as well as a few disadvantages to take note of.

8/5/2010 3:30:35 PM

Sponge
The sponge is a soft round piece of polyurethane foam containing several different spermicides (Women’s Health Matters). The sponge absorbs and traps sperm, uses spermicide to kill sperm, and sits in front of the cervix making it more difficult for sperm to enter (Women’s Health Matters). The most common brand of sponges used today is the Today Sponge. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the contraceptive sponge (Today Sponge) for the U.S. market in 1983 (todaysponge.com). “The Today sponge was removed from the US market in 1995 due to manufacturing problems which were resulting in contamination of the product. As of 2005, the Today sponge has returned to the US market. The Today Sponge is the only brand available in the US, but other brands are available in Canada and abroad” (http://www.contracept.org).
A woman may choose to use the sponge form of birth control instead of another kind of birth control because most sponges are hormone free, allow for 24 hour protection, they are effective immediately following insertion, and they are easy to use (todaysponge.com). There are no side effects with this type of birth control like the side effects that the pill has but there are warnings that users of the sponge should be aware of. Users of the sponge may get toxic shock syndrome which is rare but some cases have been reported (todaysponge.com). A sponge should not be used within the first 6 weeks after giving birth, if you have ever had toxic shock syndrome, during your menstrual period, if you are allergic to sulfites, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nonoxynol 9 (todaysponge.com). When using a sponge contraceptive some women may experience vaginal irritation and should stop using the sponge and consult a doctor if you or your partner experiences burning, itching, a rash or any other irritation of the vagina or penis, if you or your partner have difficult or painful urination, or if you experience abdominal pain, fever, chills or foul smelling vaginal discharge (todaysponge.com).

The Today Sponge can cost anywhere from 9 to 15 dollars for a pack of three (planned parenthood, 2010). The sponge is 75 to 90 percent effective when used alone but it may be more effective when used with another form of birth control like a condom (Women’s Health Matters). The Today Sponge is available without a prescription, over the counter at a local drug store or online according to http://www.todaysponge.com/.

The advantages of the sponge include the following: it can be inserted hours before intercourse so sex can be spontaneous, can be used with other forms of birth control, you can only use it when you need to, usually neither partner can feel the sponge during sex, you control this method of birth control, it does not cause any hormonal changes in your body, you can buy it without a prescription in any pharmacy, it does not need to be fitted (Women Health Matters). The disadvantages of the sponge include the following: it is not very effective when used alone, it may be expensive if used regularly, only provides partial protection again sexually transmitted infections, you may have some difficulty inserting it and removing it, cannot be used during your menstrual period, spermicide may cause irritation and often taste bad (vaginal irritation can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections), you must plan ahead before you have sex, some women are uncomfortable inserting it into their vagina (Women Health Matters).

Inter-Uterine Device
An IUD, or Inter-Uterine Device, is a T-shaped plastic object that is placed within the uterus. Its purpose is to create the reaction a woman’s uterus has when a foreign object is inside. Because of this, the lining of the uterus does not allow implantation of an egg. Some IUD’s release progestin, which creates thickness changes in a woman’s natural fluid. This keeps semen from advancing through the cervix.

Originally, IUD’s were used in camels by Turks and Arabs. They used hollowed out tubes to insert stones into camels to prevent pregnancy (Tone, 2001). They were first used in the United States in the late 1800’s, although most doctors discouraged their use unless the patient was in legitimate need. IUD’s are popular throughout the world, but aren’t as welcomed in the United States. The reason for this is due to the Dalkon Shield, an IUD in the 1970’s (Our Bodies). It turned out to be unsafe, and caused many infections among women, and resulted in a total of twenty deaths. There was little trust in them as they were pulled from the shelves. Currently, IUD’s are available again and safer, but there is still uncertainty among American women.

Currently, there are two types of IUD’s available. ParaGuard and Mirena are similar, except that the ParaGuard uses a small copper wire. This could cause side effects for women with copper allergies. IUD’s are 99% effective, ranking them very high in the area of birth control (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998).

There are a few good points to note about the IUD. Should the user choose to try for a baby, reversing is simple. When in place, the device is effective for at least 5 years, sometimes 10. The device is extremely effective against preventing pregnancy, more than 99% effective (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Also the device is immediately effective, does not interrupt sex play and does not interfere with breast-feeding (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998).

However, it has disadvantages similar to most birth control methods. The device does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Also, many users report that it can cause heavier periods. Also, during insertion, there can be heavy cramping. The device can be inconvenient, as it requires visits to the doctor to insert and remove it. It is also a more expensive option, often running from $150 to $600.

IUD’s are controversial methods of birth control here in the United States. A particularly bad IUD went on sale in our market, and created many problems. These are still being remembered today as women hold back from purchasing these devices, among other reasons.

Oral Contraceptive: The Pill
The birth control pill was introduced to the public in the early 1960s. Dr. John Rock and Gregory Pincus worked on creating the first progestin only pill and laid the foundation for the first oral contraceptive, Enovid, invented later by Frank Colton (Bellis, 2010). Carl Djerassi (pictured on the left) was the inventor of the modern oral contraceptives or the Pill (National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, 2002). There are many different brands of oral contraceptives and they come in packs of twenty-eight pills. One pill is taken daily, “the first twenty-one pills have a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones; the last seven pills have no hormones and are called sugar pills” (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). You will have your monthly period on the week that you take the sugar pills. “The Pill works by stopping ovulation, thus preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also causes cervical fluid to thicken, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and preventing fertilization”(Boston Women’s Collective, 1998).

If you take the Pill without fail then it is 99.0% effective, you must take the pill at about the same time everyday and never miss a day. “With typical use, the Pill is about 95 percent effective. That means that one in every twenty women who use the Pill become pregnant in the first year of use” (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). The Pill becomes effective immediately if started within five days after your period or within five days after an abortion. If you begin at another time, then the Pill becomes effective after one week. The Pill is considered “the most intensely researched medication in history…and has been used by millions of women worldwide” (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). However, women who are over thirty-five and smoke or who have any of the following conditions should not take the Pill: history of heart attack or stroke, blood clots, unexplained vaginal bleeding, known or suspected cancer of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, breast, or vagina, known or suspected pregnancy or liver disease. Health benefits associated with the Pill include protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers which may last up to fifteen years or more (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). The Pill also causes lighter, shorter periods (reducing the risk of anemia), a decreased chance of developing certain ovarian cysts, and a decreased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometriosis. Side effects of the Pill include: irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea and sometimes vomiting, breast tenderness, weight gain and/or water retention, spotty darkening of the skin, mild headaches, mood changes, including depression or decreased sex drive. Side effects usually cease after two to three cycles. The effectiveness of the Pill can be reduced by interactions with other drugs such as anti-seizure medications. The Pill does not affect long-term fertility (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998).

To wrap up, the main advantages of oral contraceptives are: lighter, more regular and less painful periods, easy to use, reduces incidence of ovarian cysts and fibrocystic breast changes, may relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS), protects against uterine and ovarian cancers, provides some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease and may reduce acne. The main disadvantages include: must be taken every day, can have unpleasant side effects, raises risk of heart attack and stroke in some women, requires a prescription and may cause depression.

8/5/2010 3:31:28 PM

Plan B: Emergency Contraceptive
Emergency contraception pills, known under the product name Plan B, are a hormonal contraceptive that is a backup method of preventing pregnancy. Plan B contains a type of progesterone called levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills (Wilkie, 2005). It is usually taken as two pills, taken twelve hours apart but there is a one pill version recently available called Plan B One Step. Emergency contraception works in a similar way to regular birth control pills (Teva Women's Health, Inc., 2010). “Plan B works in more than one way. It can slow or stop ovulation- the release of an egg from a woman’s ovary. It can prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and it can stop sperm and an egg from coming together. Plan B may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. Once implantation occurs, Plan B will not work” (Wilkie, 2005).
Plan B can reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken within 5 days after unprotected sex; the one pill version of Plan B, Plan B One-Step, can be taken within 3 days. It is best to take Plan B as soon as possible; it has the greatest effect if taken in the first 72 hours after sex, which is why quick, easy access is so important. Approximately 7 out of 8 women who would have gotten pregnant didn’t because of Plan B (Teva Women's Health, Inc., 2010). Emergency contraception will not work if a woman is already pregnant, and will not harm a fetus or end a pregnancy. Emergency contraception should not be taken routinely or as regular birth control, it is not as effective as using a regular birth control method correctly and consistently. If you have unprotected sex after taking Plan B, it cannot protect you from getting pregnant. Side effects from using Plan B include: changes in your period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast tenderness. It is recommended that a regular method of birth control is started immediately after Plan B, since Plan B does not protect against pregnancy beyond the day it is used (Teva Women's Health, Inc., 2010). The FDA first approved Plan B in 1999; in 2006 Plan B became available over the counter to women 18 years of age and older and women younger than 18 years of age required a prescription. In 2009, both Plan B One-Step and Plan B became available without a prescription to women 17 years of age and older. They are both available for women younger than 17 years of age only by prescription (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2009). Almost all women can safely take Plan B; it does not interact with other medications. Woman who are breast feeding or that have medical conditions such as liver disease or cancer can also safely take the emergency contraceptive pill (Wilkie, 2005). The cost for Plan B can range anywhere from $10-$70 and possibly more depending on if you have to see a doctor for a prescription (Planned Parenthood, 2010).

To wrap up, emergency contraception is not an abortion pill. It does have some side effects but is generally very safe. It is not to be used as regular birth control because it is not as effective. It has had several changes in availability within the past 5 years but has recently been made available at the pharmacy to all women 17 years old and up without a prescription.



Depo-Provera Shot

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive developed in the 1990’s. It is an injection of the hormone progestin that prevents pregnancy for three months. “The high level of progestin prevents fertilization by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs, thickening the cervical fluid, and changing the uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to enter or survive in the uterus”(Boston Women’s Collective, 1998).
The shot becomes effective after 24 hours and will last for the next thirteen weeks. If you wish to stop using Depo-Provera, the “contraceptive effect can last an average of four to six months after your last injection, and for some women, it will last up to eighteen months”(Boston Women’s Collective,1998). Risks include some loss of bone density which may get worse with longer use and may not be completely reversible; therefore women should not use Depo for more than two years unless other birth control methods are inadequate. When using Depo it is advised that you exercise regularly and take in extra calcium. You should not use Depo if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding or known or suspected pregnancy. Depo is not recommended if you are planning to get pregnant soon (within two years), are concerned about weight gain, or have liver disease, gallbladder disease, or a history of depression. Side effects of using Depo include: changes in menstrual bleeding, weight gain, headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and backache (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Just like the lasting contraceptive effect of Depo, the side effects can also take over six months to go away which is why Depo is still considered a “controversial method of birth control”(Boston Women’s Collective,1998). Some women feel that their lives have been negatively affected by the use of Depo and are organizing to call for further research on the side effects and to let others know about their experiences. Depo is 99.7% effective and few medications lower the effectiveness. Benefits associated with Depo use include: a decreased risk of endometrial cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease, less menstrual cramping and pain, fewer periods, and less chance of anemia. Depo can cause some women to stop menstruating all together, usually after a year of use, which for some is a benefit but for others it can be scary (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Depo Provera requires a prescription and a health practitioner to administer the injection, the cost for your quarterly injection ranges between $30 and $75 but that doesn’t include the office visits (American Pregnancy Association, 2002).
To wrap up, the advantages include: privacy, not requiring regular supplies or attention, effective after 24 hours, does not interrupt sexual spontaneity, has no estrogen, may decrease risk for ovarian and uterine cancers. Disadvantages include: requires an injection every 3 months, delay return of fertility, possible weight gain, possible irregular bleeding or no menstrual cycle bleeding at all, if side effects occur, they can last a long time.

Conclusion

In third world or developing countries the amount of birth control that is available is very limited, and if birth control is provided many people can barely afford food let alone contraceptive devices. However the women in these countries often do not have enough control to say to their partner that they want to use birth control so even if the birth control was available to them free of charge they would not be able to use it because their partner would refuse to use protection. Even if the women were provided with intrauterine devices free of charge they would probably have some hesitation to use these devices in case their partner would find out and possibly beat them.
There are many different types of birth control available to women and men so how does one go about choosing the correct form of birth control for themselves? There are many different factors that go into someone’s decision when choosing birth control. “These factors include “safety and effectiveness; how much we are willing to risk an unintended pregnancy; the type of relationship we are in; and the amount of money we can spend on birth control” (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). “Those of us with medical problems, chronic illnesses, or disabilities may have additional needs to consider when seeking usable, effective contraceptive” (Boston Women’s Collective, 1998). Some questions to consider as you make your decision include: Am I ready to have or interested in having sexual intercourse at this time in my life? How does this contraceptive method fit into my life and, more importantly into my sexual lifestyle? How involved will my partner be in this decision and with the use of the method? How safe is this method for me and/or my partner? Do I have any medical or other reasons to not use the method? What are the potential side effects of this method? Are these acceptable to me? How effective is this method in preventing pregnancy? What would be the consequences in my life if I got pregnant? (Boston Women’s Collective).

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One common theme that all of the options of contraceptive devices have is that none of them provide 100% effectiveness against STDs and HIV/AIDs. Many of these devices do not even offer the slightest protection against STDs, HIV or AIDs. “Birth control methods differ in how much protection they give against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) (e.g., gonorrhea, herpes, Chlamydia, and HIV) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In general, barrier methods, especially male and female condoms, provide good protection against most reproductive tract infections” (Boston Women’s Collective). “The Pill provides some protection against PID; it may increase the risk of Chlamydia. Its effect on other STIs remains uncertain. The IUD offers no protection against STIs. In women at risk for STIs, use of the IUD increases the chance of developing PID” (Boston Women’s Collective). This is a big issue because many countries are in the middle of experiencing an AIDs epidemic. The disease is spreading very fast, while there is medicine that can help treat people infected with HIV/AIDs it seems that finding a method to prevent the disease is very difficult. However due to scientists hard work and dedication they have become closer to finding a way to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDs. “Research is underway to develop safe and effective products, called microbicides, that women can use vaginally to prevent STD transmission” (Darroch, Frost, 1999). With the advance of science the future looks promising for a cure or a way to prevent HIV/AIDs.

Works Cited
American Pregnancy Association. (2002). Depo-Provera: Quarterly Injection. Retrieved July 29, 2010, from American Pregnancy Association, Irving , Texas. Web site: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/preventingpregnancy/depoprovera.html.
Bellis, M. (2010). Oral Contraceptive History. Retrieved July 19, 2010, from The New York Times Company, New York, New York. Web site: http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blthepill.htm.
Boston Women’s Collective. (1998). Our Bodies, Ourselves: For the New Century.
Darroch, J.E & Frost, J.J. (1999). Women’s Interest in Vaginal Microbicides. Family Planning Perspectives. 31 (1). pp. 16-23
Delvin, David (2010, June, 5). Chemical Contraceptives. Retrieved July 30, 2010, from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivechemical.htm
Diaphragm (picture): (2006, September 5). Contraceptive Methods- Diaphragm. Retrieved August 2, 2010, from SexualityAndU: http://www.sexualityandu.ca/adults/contraception-2-10.aspx
Historic Condom (picture): Tone, Andrea, Black Market Birth Control: Contraceptive Entrepreneurship and Criminality in the Gilded Age. The Journal of American History 87.2 (2000): 58 pars. 2 Aug. 2010 <http://www.historycooperative.org/cgi-bin/justtop.cgi?act=justtop&url=http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/jah/87.2/tone.html>.
National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum. (2002). Carl Djerassi. Retrieved July 20, 2010, from National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, Akron, Ohio. Web site: http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/44.html.
Planned Parenthood (2010). Birth Control Sponge (Today Sponge). Retrieved July 22, 2010, from Planned Parenthood, New York, New York. Web site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.htm
Planned Parenthood (2010). Condom. Retrieved July 30, 2010, from Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/.
Planned Parenthood. (2010). Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill). Retrieved July 20, 2010, from Planned Parenthood, New York, New York. Web site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-4363.htm.
Teva Women's Health, Inc. (2010). Plan B One-Step. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Woman's Capital Corporation, Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Web site: http://www.planbonestep.com/.
Today Sponge. http://www.todaysponge.com/
Tone, A. (2001). Devices and Desires. New York, NY: Hill and Wang.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2009). Plan B (0.75mg Levonorgestrel) and Plan B One-Step (1.5 Mg Levonorgestrel) Tablets Information. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. Web site: http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/postmarketdrugsafetyinformationforpatientsandproviders/ucm109775.htm.
Wilkie, J. (2005). Plan B emergency contraception. Family Health, 21(3), 27.
Women’s Health Matters. Sexual Health Centere: Birth Control. http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/sex/birthcontrol/sponge.html
Wright, J. S. (n.d.). IUD Complications. Retrieved August 2, 2010, from EHow: http://www.ehow.com/iud-complications/

8/5/2010 3:35:34 PM

Thanks for sharing.

You might also mention that Margaret Sanger was an influential thought leader for the Nazi Germans who certainly appreciated her contributions to eugenics. She certainly goose-stepped to the beat of a different drummer.

8/5/2010 3:48:00 PM

so your project was to summarize some online articles on BC?

laughable

8/5/2010 8:05:44 PM

huh? seems like a pretty decent research paper to me.

8/5/2010 8:52:53 PM

^

8/5/2010 9:08:23 PM

While informative, it's poorly written.

8/6/2010 1:17:40 AM

all i knows is that this plan b stuff cost like 60-70 bucks.

8/6/2010 3:33:34 PM

you're paying too much

8/6/2010 3:42:50 PM

your apostrophe use is mind-boggling

you correctly use "1800s" initially but then use "1800's" and "1970's", etc

similarly, it should be "IUDs"

8/6/2010 4:09:25 PM

use the pull out method.

8/6/2010 5:38:56 PM