The practice of birth control prevents conception, thus limiting reproduction. The termbirth control, coined by Margaret SANGER in1914, usually refers specifically to methods ofcontraception, including STERILIZATION. Theterms family planning and planned parenthoodhave a broader application. METHODS OFBIRTH CONTROL Attempts to control fertilityhave been going on for thousands of years.References to preventing conception are found inthe writings of priests, philosophers, andphysicians of ancient Egypt and Greece. Somemethods, though crude, were based on soundideas. For example, women were advised to puthoney, olive oil, or oil of cedar in their vaginas toact as barriers. The stickiness of these substanceswas thought to slow the movement of sperm intothe uterus. Wads of soft wool soaked in lemonjuice or vinegar were used as tampons, in thebelief that they would make the vagina sufficientlyacidic to kill the sperm. The Talmud mentionsusing a piece of sponge to block the cervix, theentrance to the uterus. Sperm Blockage Severalmodern methods of birth control are practiced bycreating a barrier between the sperm and the eggcell. This consists of the use of a chemical foam, acream, or a suppository. Each contains achemical, or spermicide that stops sperm. Theyare not harmful to vaginal tissue. Each must beinserted shortly before COITUS. Foams aresquirted from aerosol containers with nozzles orfrom applicators that dispense the correct amountof foam and spread it over the cervix; creams andjellies are squeezed from tubes and held in placeby a diaphragm or other device; andsuppositories--small waxy pellets melted by bodyheat--are inserted by hand. More effective atkeeping sperm and egg apart are mechanicalbarriers such as the diaphragm and cervical cap(both used with a spermicide), the sponge, and thecondom. A diaphragm is a shallow rubber cup thatis coated with a spermicide and positioned overthe cervix before intercourse. Size is important;wo...
