We got the sheath

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birth control methods, condoms, Robert Latou Dickinson

Illustration from Norman Himes and Abraham Stone, "Practical Birth Contrtol Methods," (1942).

Before Kinsey, there was Robert Latou Dickinson, a prominent gynecologist and sex educator who, among other things,  founded the Committee on Maternal Health in 1923. This committee aimed to gather clinical research on contraception, sterility, and abortions–a true, if not precarious novelty given the time period– and then report their findings.

In the course of my research here at the Sanger Papers, I recently happened upon the committee’s first report, written by Dickinson himself and printed by The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in November of 1924. And while some of its contents are laughably outdated (someone seriously recommended tampons as a viable form of contraception) there are moments that still ring with relevancy.

Take for instance, this discussion of the condom, or what was then known as the “sheath”:

“The sheath maintains its conspicuous place as the best known and simplest measure [of contraception]. It is believed to be trustworthy under four stipulations. These are good quality; testing; lubrication; and a medicated douche (such as one-fourth vinegar) available in case of slip or break. It is very commonly refused by the feebly virile and the selfish” (italics are mine, 9).

Amen, Dr. Dickinson.

This sharp insight also reminds me of the most recent national survey of sexual health and behavior, conducted by a group of Indiana University Researchers, and published in early October of last year. Although the study was funded by the makers of Trojan (which means we ought to take the next bit of info. with the tiniest morsel of salt), it found that 60%-80% of teens used condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. A sign perhaps, that the “sheath” is on its way to the kind of reputation public health officials would like it to have.

The study also noted however, that while the kids are alright with condoms, their parents and grandparents remain way behind the times. In fact, the study showed that two-thirds of those 50 and older take no preventive measures against STDs. This is not what the good doctor ordered.

Margaret Sanger was not a big fan of the condom, or any other contraceptive method that left control in the hands of men.  In her 1920 Woman and the New Race, she argued:

“In an ideal society, no doubt, birth control would become the concern of the man as well as the woman. The hard inescapable fact which we encounter to-day is that man has not only refused any such responsibility, but has individually and collectively sought to prevent woman from obtaining knowledge by which she could assume this responsibility for herself.  She is still in a state of a dependent to-day because her mate has refused to consider her as an individual apart from his needs.  She is still bound because she has in the past left the solution of the problem to him. Having left it to him she finds that instead of rights, she has only such privileges as she has gained by petitioning, coaxing and cozening. Having left it to him, she is exploited, driven and enslaved to his desires.” (pp. 96-97)

(For further information on the IU study, see Shari Rudavsky’s “Major sex study reveals wide range of behaviors in USA” at http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/sex-relationships/2010-10-04-sexsurvey04_ST_N.htm)

Sanger’s Boardwalk Empire Cameo

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birth control, condoms, contraception, documents, family limitations, lysol, margret sanger, pregnancy, reproductive health, reproductive rights

One of Margaret Sanger’s earlier publications, a copy of Family Limitation, recently made an appearance on the new HBO show, Boardwalk Empire. When a character on the show, who also happens to be named Margaret, is worried about being pregnant, she pulls out the Sanger pamphlet.  The Margaret Sanger Papers Project Microfilm has a run of the oft-revised  pamphlet, and the project has an original of the 1920 10th Edition run of this pamphlet and thought it might be fun to reproduce some of it here for interested readers.

“Every mother feels the wrong that the state imposes upon her when it deprives her of information to prevent the bringing into the world of children she cannot feed or clothe or care for.” (Page 1)

“I feel there is sufficient information given here which, if followed, will prevent a woman from becoming pregnant unless she desires to do so.” (Page 1)

Some of the subject headers may seem a bit unnecessary in these times, but back then pamphlets like this were invaluable. For instance, “DOUCHE A CLEANSER – NOT A PREVENTATIVE” (Page 7) seems like a fairly obvious statement to make now, but back then many women douched with Lysol, who’s advertisements were coded to sneakily imply that a Lysol douche was a valid method of contraception.

For example, one advertisement shows a relaxed and happy looking mother surrounded by her two children. At one point the copy printed along with the advertisement says, “this effective antiseptic is three times stronger than powerful carbolic acid.” This is a hidden message meant to imply contraceptive use, since  carbolic acid was commonly known to kill sperm at the time when this pamphlet was published.

This fact is even mentioned in the pamphlet, on page 16, where Sanger writes, “the male sperm is destroyed by the weakest solution of carbolic acid.” This statement is made in reference to a tip included in the pamphlet that advises women to use a contraceptive sponge or “cotton plug” soaked in carbolic acid and glycerin to prevent pregnancy.

Earlier in the pamphlet Sanger dismisses douching with carbolic acid as a wise contraceptive option because, “When one understands how conception takes place, it can be seen at once that it is quite possible for a woman to be in a state of pregnancy before she leaves the bed, or before she can reach a douche.” (Page 7)

Although the practical information in the pamphlet may be somewhat outdated in our modern times (for instance, we no longer use carbolic acid as a method of birth control at all), many sentiments expressed within are timeless. For instance:

“Don’t wait to see if you no not menstruate (monthly sickness) but make it your duty to see that you do.” (Page 5)

“Women must learn to know their own bodies and watch and know definitely how regular or irregular they are.” (Page 5)

“No one can doubt that there are times where an abortion is justifiable but they will become unnecessary when care is taken to prevent contraception. This is the only cure for abortions.” (Page 5)

“There is current among people an idea that conception can take place only at certain times of the month. […] Do not depend upon this belief, for there is no scientific foundation for it.” (Page 6)

“A mutual and satisfied sexual act is of great benefit to the average woman, the magnetism of it is health giving. When it is not desired on the part of the woman and she has no response, it should not take place.” (Page 7)

We will leave you with some scans from the document.

Further Reading:

1917 6th Edition of Family Limitation by Margaret Sanger.
Jersey Shore, The Early Years by Alessandra Stanley from the New York Times, September 16th 2010.