Birth Control History of Events

Birth control found its place in history and humanity early on.

The following is a chronological account of the developments in the history of birth control:

1.  3000 B.C. - Condoms were developed.  What they were made up of is not sure, although it’s understood to be natural animal tissues such as intestines.

2.  1850 B.C. – Barrier devices for women invented in the form of ‘pressary’ for vagina, made up of acidic substances and honey.

3.  600 B.C. – Silphion, the wonder herb was detected, which is credited to be the first oral contraceptive for women.

4.  1500 A.D. – Chemical spermicides were introduced.

5.  1640 – The first definite account of condoms were made from animal intestines and fish. It is believed that women used beeswax or oiled paper as cervical caps during the seventeenth century A.D.

6.  1838-44 – Vulcanized rubber begins finding use in condoms and vaginal devices like diaphragms. The patent of rubber by Goodyear gives a massive boost to the market of rubber devices.

7.  1844-73 - The market for contraceptives is flooded with a variety of new options such as vaginal sponge, cervical caps, diaphragm, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

8.  1916 – Margaret Sanger begins to operate her first clinic in the United States that specialized in birth control.

9.  1930-60 – Based on misplaced concepts, Lysol (disinfectant) became popular as a female hygiene product that doubles as a contraceptive. Later, the claims were found to be false.

10.  1960 - Sponsored by Katherine McCormick, Sanger and Gregory Pincus researched for developing oral contraceptives and Enovid was marketed in the US. Synthetically manufactured Progesterone, by Searle and Syntex, was used in this drug.

11.  1976 – First T-shaped intrauterine device manufactured. The Dalkon Shield, withdrawn from the market due to allergic reactions and other IUDs follow.

12.  1992 – First hormonal shot with the brand name Depo Provera was launched.

13.  1998 – First emergency contraceptive pill named Preven is introduced.

14.  2000-02 – More revolutionary products launched, including hormonal birth control patch (externally used), insertible vaginal ring, single rod implants, and surgical methods.

15.  2003 – First “continuous” birth control pill which reduces the frequency of menstrual cycles from monthly to annual was approved by the FDA.

Learn more about our Phoenix Birth Control Clinical Trial