Birth Control and It's Origin

Before the advent of modern contraceptives, people used all sorts of ways to avoid pregnancy. Some of the most unusual ones are drinking mercury as a contraceptive and using animal body parts as protection for the genitals. Well, these may or may not be true, but the development of safe contraceptives was a watershed moment in medical history. 

In 1960, the first oral contraceptive was developed. This “pill” was a mixture of two hormones- progesterone and estrogen. Condoms were discovered in 1855. The pill, though, was a more reliable and convenient option for women. 

India’s first oral contraceptive, which was a non-steroidal and non-hormonal pill, called saheli, aka Centchroman, was launched in 1986 by PM Rajiv Gandhi. Saheli was a part of the National Family Program and, in 2016, was reintroduced in the National Family Planning Program. This amazing drug was produced in Lucknow and is the only pill that does not contain steroids or hormones in the world. 

Condoms were introduced rather early to curb the growing population.  The first kinds of condoms were developed in and around the 1970s. 

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The social purpose of contraceptives

Along with medical benefits, contraceptives are also necessary for socioeconomic reasons. 

1. Unintended pregnancies- Pregnancy at a young age or an older age, can be detrimental to the female’s body. Avoiding unplanned pregnancies can help improve maternal health and prevent deaths. It also helps in the prevention of transmission of HIV from mothers to babies. 

2. Education- With the choice of getting pregnant, women can choose to focus on their education and careers. Getting higher education would enable them to gain financial independence. 

3. Agency of body- right over one’s body—enables women to lead a dignified life. It creates opportunities for women to choose when to bear a child and when not to. 

Contraceptives are a medical marvel. Even after so many years of its discovery, its usage is taboo, especially in Indian society. The cost of a condom is a mere 30 rupees, and people still shy away from buying it. There is a need to create awareness about the use of contraceptives and increase their accessibility.