WORLD CONTRACEPTION DAY
Every year on September 26th, World Contraception Day spreads awareness about contraception and safe sex. The day also teaches younger generations to make informed decisions about sexual health.
Many believe birth control is a fairly modern invention. However, men and women as far back as 3000 BC used various ways to prevent pregnancy. In 3000 BC, ancient Egyptian men had invented the first condom. IN 1850 BC, women were using a pessary as a way to prevent pregnancy. This contraceptive device was placed inside the vagina to kill sperm. The pessary contained a concoction of crocodile dung, honey, and sodium carbonate.
Many other people throughout the years tried to develop their own contraception. People even used products (that should never be used on or inside the body) such as Lysol to prevent pregnancy. In 1960, the FDA approved the first birth control pill. However, the high doses of the first forms of oral birth control caused blood clots. Since then, the pill has been perfected and is now one of the leading types of contraception for women. The most common way women prevent pregnancy is through tubal ligation. Also known as getting “tubes tied,” about 219 million women around the world opt for this method. Other contraceptive methods that have over 100 million users worldwide include condoms, IUD, and the pill.
Besides preventing pregnancy, one type of contraception also prevents sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one million STDs are acquired daily. Each year, doctors diagnose 376 million new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Condoms and abstinence prevent all of these STDs.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldContraceptionDay
On this day, family planning organizations host events to educate the general public on the importance of contraception. Along with increasing awareness about the different kinds of contraception, these organizations hand out free condoms. The events have also included family-planning-themed trivia, person-on-the-street interviews about family planning, displays of contraceptive devices worldwide, and contraceptive-themed costume parties.
To participate:
- Volunteer for your local family planning organization.
- Learn more about the different kinds of contraception used around the world.
- Educate your children on the importance of safe sex and abstinence.
Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldContraceptionDay.
WORLD CONTRACEPTION DAY HISTORY
In 2007, 10 international family planning organizations came together to form World Contraception Day. They set a goal to promote safe, effective, and preferred family planning options and contraceptive methods. Additionally, 15 NGOs throughout the world, along with several scientific and medical societies, support this day.
