What is contraception? Contraception is a form of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy, and diseases such as HIV, and STD's. A history on contraception dates back to almost 3,500 years ago. Men in Egypt wore condom-like sheaths as attractive and eye-catching penis covers. By the 18th century, condoms were being made from sheep intestines. In the ancient Middle East, Arabs placed pebbles in the uteruses of female camels when they set off on long journeys. They thought that a foreign object in the uterus prevented pregnancy. In today's society, there are many types of contraceptives that are designed to fit people personalities and lifestyles. .
Contraceptives come in many forms that can be used by males as well as females. These include, male and female condoms, the pill, the patch, Norplant, Depo-Provera, Diaphragm, and Spremicides.
The male condom, which is made of a tight material that covers the entire penis, is the safest way to prevent AIDS and STDs. They are also nearly one hundred percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly and with spermicide. The failure rate of a male condom, when used correctly and by itself is about two percent. There are a few different types of materials that condoms are made of. The most popular are made of latex. Polyurethane or animal skin is also used. The latex condom is the strongest of the three. The many kinds of condoms on the market are lubricated, non-lubricated, ribbed, and .
lubricated with spermicide. They also come in a wide variety of sizes. All of these can be purchased basically over the counter.
The female condom, which is a more recent type of birth control that is sold in the United States under the name Reality. It is a polyurethane tube that looks like a big male condom. One end goes inside the vagina, covering the cervix, and the other rests outside, which creates a little plastic tunnel. The cost is about three times of a male condom.