While the Planned Parenthood website is an excellent resource for easy to understand contraceptive literature for both educators in reproductive health as well as parents and their teens, there are also several books targeted at specific audiences including health professionals, adult couples or teens.
A History of Birth Control Methods
A fascinating overview of birth control methods used over the centuries is provided in a research paper by Jon Knowles, lead author, published by the Katharine Dexter McCormick Library (11/1/2006); it is available on the Planned Parenthood site. Humanity has long been looking for effective means of enjoying sex without necessarily procreating. Knowles describes an astounding array of methods, most of which were relatively ineffective by modern standards and often dangerous, including drinking vile concoctions made of poisons (lead or mercury) or "smoothies" made of crushed testicles from various creatures. Behavioral methods such as abstinence, withdrawal, masturbation, fertility-awareness methods and dependence on temporary sub-fertility due to breastfeeding have been used for hundreds of years. The earliest use of a condom is depicted on a cave drawing that is thought to be 12,000 years old.
Pamphlets about Birth Control
Various pamphlets about birth control are available on the Planned Parenthood site, both in English and Spanish. Although these pamphlets are provided to sex educators, they can be purchased by anyone. Some are specific to certain methods, such as "All about Vasectomy" or "All about Tubal Sterilization." Some are targeted to certain age groups like the "Birth Control Choices for Teens" or "Is Abstinence Right for You Now?", pamphlets written at a seventh grade level. "Your Contraceptive Choices" provides an overview of various modern methods and the disadvantages and advantages of each type. Low technology methods that rely on understanding your cyclic fertility are described in a pamphlet called "Tracking your Fertility Pattern to Prevent Pregnancy."
Books for Professionals
"Contraceptive Technology," authored by a panel of leaders in the contraceptive field including Robert A. Hatcher, M.D., MPH and James Trussell, Ph.D. (PDR Network, LLC.; 19th edition, May 1, 2008), is a primary resource used by physicians, nurses and allied health professionals providing contraceptive advice and care.
"Contraception: Your Questions Answered," by John Guillebaud, published by Churchill Livingstone (October 2008) is a resource for the busy general physician who needs ready answers to contraceptive questions most frequently asked by patients.
Books for Couples
In "The Contraception Sourcebook," Dr. Elizabeth B. Connell, (McGraw-Hill; 1st edition, November 13, 2001) provides practical advice to couples deciding on the best contraceptive options for themselves. She provides a comprehensive review of current options along with a lively description of the origins of many contraceptive methods.
"Contraception: a users' handbook" by Anne Szarewski and John Guillebaud (Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 2004) provides an explanatory section on the reproductive system before diving into a description of the various contraceptive methods currently available for couples as well as considerations for choosing one method over another.
Books for Teens
"Changing Bodies, Changing Lives: A Book for Teens on Sex and Relationships," written by Ruth Bell (4th Edition, Times Book, 2005) is focused on teens (eighth grade and up) and combines information about contraceptives with more basic questions and concerns regarding physical, mental, emotional and social changes that are part of the teen transition to adulthood.
"Like It Is: A Teen Sex Guide," written by E. James Lieberman and Karen Lieberman Troccoli (published by McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers, September 1998), is a frank but thoughtful book about teen sexuality with sections on making good decisions as well as straightforward information on contraceptive methods.
