CONTRACEPTION

Human reproduction requires a perfect balance of so many factors that to scientists it seems little short of miraculous that the process ever succeeds. Yet for centuries man has failed to find an acceptable, safe, sure and economical way to thwart it. He has tried about a dozen.

ABSTENTION. The only sure method.

WITHDRAWAL before climax. Far from certain, and emotionally disturbing to both partners.

RHYTHM. Based on the fact that a woman can conceive only within about 24 hours after ovulation. This usually occurs twelve to 16 days after the beginning of each menstrual cycle. But there is great variation among women, and even in one woman's cycles. Practiced by 20% of U.S. couples.

PHYSICAL BARRIER (condom) used by the man to prevent meeting of sperm and ovum.

PHYSICAL BARRIER used by the woman in hopes of closing off the mouth of the womb. Some devices (not the diaphragm) previously recommended by physicians are now generally condemned as likely to cause disease.

IRRIGATION (douche) to wash out the sperm after intercourse. The water may be plain, or have added boric acid, vinegar or proprietary compounds sold "for feminine hygiene." Relatively ineffective.

SPERMICIDES, inserted by the woman before intercourse, using various media: creams and jellies, suppositories, soluble and foaming tablets.

COMBINATION. The method that has received widest medical approval in Western nations for about 30 years. The woman uses a rubber diaphragm to cover the mouth of the womb, in combination with spermicidal cream or jelly. Used by 35% of U.S. couples.

ANCIENT DRUGS. Scores of folk-medicine herbals have been credited (on folklore evidence) with reducing fertility. Modern medical scientists are now investigating tribal prescriptions from central Africa to the South Seas.

PROLONGED NURSING, up to two or three years, traditionally practiced to postpone a new pregnancy, is unreliable but has some scientific basis: it tends to maintain the output of hormones that prevent ovulation.

MODERN CHEMICALS produce some of the desired effects but are outlawed because of prohibitive side effects.

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