Birth Control Method History

  • Fertile Period Discovery

    Scientists conclude that pregnancy can be prevented by avoiding intercourse during the fertile period.
  • The Pregnancy Test

    Scientists create the pregnancy test.
  • Identification of Progesterone

    Scientists identify progesterone, the ovarian hormone.
  • Identification of Estrogen

    The human sex hormone estrogen was identified.
  • Feminine Hygiene was Normalized

    The term “feminine hygiene” was used to sell contraceptives.
  • Birth Control is Considered a Medical Practice

    Sanger fights against a Japanese shipment of diaphragms to the U.S. and the court rules in favor. Allowing contraceptive devices and information via mail and recognizes birth control as a medical practice.
  • The Diaphragm

    The diaphragm is the most effective and expensive form of birth control available in America. Women relied less effective douches for contraception.
  • Hormonal Birth Control

    Russell Marker made synthetic progesterone with Mexican wild yams discovering progesterone production. Now the basis for hormonal birth control.
  • Improvements in Contraceptives

    Americans spent around $200 million a year on contraceptives. Anti-birth control laws restricted people from "exhibit, sell, prescribe, provide, or give out information" about condoms.
  • Human Trials

    Human trials had to be executed for FDA approval. 50 women were involved.
  • Pincus and Rock: The First Birth Control Pill

    Not one of the 50 women in the trial ovulated while on the pill. Scientist's research proved that progesterone pill inhibits ovulation The birth control pill was born.
  • FDA Approved

    The first birth control submitted for FDA approval in America.