We all can agree that contraception has evolved a lot over the years. But did you know through that evolution women have gained more control?

NeoMam Studios recently released an educational infographic detailing the history and the future of contraception. NeoMam designed the chart and LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor produced the chart.

The contraceptive chart is quite interesting. It lists the earliest form of contraception — moistened linen sheaths from 1564 — to the most common forms of contraception used today. What’s most interesting is how many contraceptive methods were geared toward males rather than females. The diaphragm wasn’t invented until 1882. Soon after the creation of the diaphragm, the vaginal suppository (made from cocoa butter and quinine) was invented in 1882 and the first IUD was revealed in 1909 — oral contraceptives didn’t show up until the early 60s.

Another interesting aspect of the chart is how it depicts the future of contraception.

In the past few years, there’s been a lot of talk of new male birth control methods. The two that really sparked my interest are the following:

1. The Male Injection

Yes, fellas. This does require you get an injection into your vas deferens, but it has proven to be 100 percent effective for 10 years – 10 years! – so far. Human trials for this method begin this year.

2. The “Clean Sheets” Pill

While the prototype’s name cracked me up, this pill looks totally cool. This oral pill prevents liquid ejaculation. The pill is non-hormonal and allows a man’s muscles to contract, but allows no fluid to escape. It’s 95 percent effective based on prototypes and still in its funding stage.

The new forms of female contraceptives being tested are a new type of female condom (called the ORIGAMI female condom), an intravaginal ring, and a remote control contraceptive.

Related on EcoSalon

Dirty, Sexy Pill: A History of Birth Control

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Top image: Hey Paul Studios

Infographic: LloydsPharmacy

The post The Future of Contraception for Males and Females appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ladies, your man may be able to take a birth control pill soon. But will male birth control ever really take off? Or will the responsibility to take birth control continue to be a woman’s burden?

Bust recently reported that the release of a new male birth control pill may be on the horizon. The feminist site reports that new medical trials in Indonesia may finally result in a male birth control pill.

Here are the details about the pill:

• It’s a daily pill.
• This pill is non-hormonal.
• The pill works by using “enzymes that help the sperm reach the egg.”
• The project’s lead scientist reports that the pill is 99-percent effective.
• The pill’s main ingredient is gendarussa, an Indonesian plant.

Since trials have been largely successful, the pill very well may be on the Indonesian market by 2016. Obviously, it will take much, much longer for the pill to become available in the United States.

But the big question here is – even if the pill becomes available in the United States – will men actually take a daily pill to avoid pregnancy? I have no idea, as I’m not a dude. All I know is that I’m totally cool taking a pill every day that prevents pregnancy. I am well aware that I am not ready to have a child for various reasons, and am incredibly thankful for the pill and condoms. And I truly think that when people have ways to control their future and have access to diverse family planning options, they end up having happier, and more fulfilled lives.

I do hope that this pill is successful and it does come to the United States. In my opinion, it’s great for people to have as many contraceptive options as possible.

Related on EcoSalon

How Green Is the Birth Control Pill?

Natural Birth Control Tips, Part 1: The Pill, The Environment and Your Health

Some Say Condoms Are Creating More Trash. We Say They’re Good for the Environment.

Image: Lookcatalog

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