Contraception pill (found 49 titles)

America and the Pill: A History of Promise, Peril, and Liberation

Author: Elaine Tyler May
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication date: 2010-04-27
ISBN: 0465011527
Pages: 224
Rating:
Price: $25.95

Customes reviews 1

Outstanding book (2010-05-18)

Historian May traces the development of the contraceptive pill and concludes: The feminist movement liberated women and used the pill as an important tool to gain control over their lives; there is no evidence that the pill caused a boom in premarital sex; and the pill has had little impact on world fertility rates or overpopulation.
May shows that the pill simply enlarged the repertory of methods available to women to reduce the power gap between men and women. "The pill has been at the center of the major transformations in women's lives over the past half-century." And she shows "how much has changed and how much has remained the same."
May traces the legal battles over contraception and also focuses on the Vatican "old boys club" 1968 rejection of its own theological commissioners' 73 to 10 recommendation that it relax its opposition to contraception, a rejection ignored by the overwhelming majority of Catholics. This book easily rates five stars.
--- Edd Doerr, President, Americans for Religious Liberty

The Pill: Are You Sure it's for You?

Authors: Jane Bennett, Alexandra Pope
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 2009-10-01
ISBN: 1741750792
Pages: 324
Price: $16.95

On the Pill: A Social History of Oral Contraceptives, 1950-1970

Authors: Elizabeth Siegel Watkins
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date: 2001-07-11
ISBN: 0801868211
Pages: 208
Rating:
Price: $27.00

"In 1968, a popular writer ranked the pill's importance with the discovery of fire and the developments of tool-making, hunting, agriculture, urbanism, scientific medicine, and nuclear energy. Twenty-five years later, the leading British weekly, the Economist, listed the pill as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The image of the oral contraceptive as revolutionary persists in popular culture, yet the nature of the changes it supposedly brought about has not been fully investigated. After more than thirty-five years on the market, the role of the pill is due for a thorough examination."—from the Introduction

In this fresh look at the pill's cultural and medical history, Elizabeth Siegel Watkins re-examines the scientific and ideological forces that led to its development, the part women played in debates over its application, and the role of the media, medical profession, and pharmaceutical industry in deciding issues of its safety and meaning. Her study helps us not only to understand the contraceptive revolution as such but also to appreciate the misinterpretations that surround it.

Customes reviews 2

Great study of the evolution in medicine (2006-12-16)

Watkins does a decent job of explaining how the idea of "the pill" came into being. It covers the initial social controversies and medical developments of birth control. The coalitions between Planned Parenthood and the original race for private grant money show an interesting alliance. Watkins really does an excellent job of looking at all the groups who had a stake in this project including the Catholic Church, FDA and medical professionals. It is not simply a feminist history but a multifaceted study of how the Pill became one of the most consumed drugs in the country.

One of the disappointing factors and the main reason I would only rate it at 4 stars is that if is very narrowly focused in the brand of pill that it follows. It really does not go into the other ones that were coming out as competition in the 1970's even as an afterthought and I feel that is important to address. The book is very well written and is a great addition to the history of science and pharmaceuticals. I really wish we had more like it.

A superbly presented medical and social history. (2002-03-22)

Elizabeth Watkins' On The Pill: A Social History Of Oral Contraceptives, 1950-1970 is an informative social history of oral contraceptives covers the period from 1950-70, when the pill was at its strongest development and played a major role in changing women's lives. Chapters survey the contraceptive revolution and common misconceptions surrounding it in a set of coverages on both medical and social realities.

The Pill: A Biography of the Drug That Changed the World

Authors: Bernard Asbell
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: 1995-05-23
ISBN: 0679411003
Rating:
Price: $25.00

This is a complex and riveting tale involving eccentric scientists, the power of the Catholic church and a group of women and activists who would not take "no" for an answer. Rather than assign a "father" of the pill, Asbell credits two women as its mothers. Created in an era when women struggled to control family size by such horrific methods as Lysol douches, the pill changed women's lives forever in ways far more reaching than sexual freedom.

Customes reviews 4

The Hobo Philosopher (2007-09-05)

Pliny (23-79 AD.) "If a man makes water upon a dog's urine he will become disinclined to copulation." (Yeah, but what about the Dog?) He also suggests that; "If a woman's loins are rubbed with blood taken from the ticks upon the back of a black wild bull, she will be inspired with an aversion to sexual intercourse. (Yes, and so too, the tick gatherer, and tick blood spreader - I would imagine.)
This book The Pill by Bernard Asbell besides being full of useful and energizing information is more than interesting. It is a social as well as a religious experience. One thing is for certain - trying not to have babies has been going on for centuries; thank God.

Books written by Richard Noble - The Hobo Philosopher:
"Hobo-ing America: A Workingman's Tour of the U.S.A.."
"A Summer with Charlie"
"A Little Something: Poetry and Prose"
"Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother"
"The Eastpointer" Selections from award winning column.

The Pill- an extremely interesting and entertaining read (2006-07-18)

I almost couldn't put this book down and read it in a few days. Asbell does a really good job of making the story of the Pill at once comprehensive and entertaining. He develops all the various characters involved in the story: priests, scientists, activists, doctors, funders of research and ordinary citizens in a way that makes gives you a sense of familiarity with their personalities and psychologies. He shows how risk taking, serendipity, and passion led some to succeed and left others virtually anonymous. He gives fair treatment to many of scientific disputes that went on during the invention of the pill and introduces us to the future of contraception. The way he describes science is very accessible and also honest; he does not idolize scientists or science and shows the pitfalls involved in research.
I don't think I fully appreciated how revolutionary the Pill was before I read this book. It has made me much more grateful and informed about the options I can now make. He presents the story with the gravity it deserves.

The review of The Pill of The Book (2003-05-08)

This is a pretty good book and doesn't deserve to be out of print. The author's writing technique isn't scintillating but the book is very readable nonetheless. I was a little disappointed by the lack of biochemical details of how the pill works but other readers may see this as a blessing. The book does a superb job of making the people involved come alive. The descrption of a pre-birth control pill world which is unimagable to most people is simiarly excellent.

capitvating read (1998-02-23)

A wonderful account of the scientific, medical, political and social contexts surrounding the research and development of the oral contraceptive pill...something I realize that we take for granted and revolutionized our view of ourselves and our way of looking at the future.

Bitter pill: in a provocative analysis, economist Timothy Reichert reveals how the contraception boom has shifted wealth and power away from women.(Viewpoint ... Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life

Authors: Timothy Reichert
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Publication date: 2010-05-01
ISBN:
Pages: 16
Price: $9.95

This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on May 1, 2010. The length of the article is 4635 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Bitter pill: in a provocative analysis, economist Timothy Reichert reveals how the contraception boom has shifted wealth and power away from women.(Viewpoint essay)
Author: Timothy Reichert
Publication: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2010
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Issue: 203 Page: 25(10)

Article Type: Viewpoint essay

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning

This Man's Pill: Reflections on the 50th Birthday of the Pill (Popular Science)

Authors: Carl Djerassi
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date: 2004-01-29
ISBN: 0198606958
Pages: 320
Price: $31.50

Most scientists are lucky if they can base a career on one big discovery. Carl Djerassi, who first synthesized the birth control pill, has managed to squeeze two careers--so far--out of that feat. His memoir, This Man's Pill, published on the pill's 50th birthday, is a warm and funny reflection on his work as research chemist and man of letters; with several novels and plays under his belt, Djerassi is an insightful writer far past the journeyman stage. Exploring the pill's reception and the various battles it's faced internationally, he offers his own thoughts on the subjects of medical ethics, sexuality, and politics while sharing his complex life story. Reminiscent of Richard Feynman's playfully free spirit, Djerassi's voice will inspire readers interested in the confluence of science and art. --Rob Lightner

Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients

Authors: Richard P. Dickey
Publisher: Emis Inc
Publication date: 1994-01
ISBN: 0929240758
Rating:
Price: $14.95

Louisiana State Univ., New Orleans. Contains most of the known oral contraceptive (OC) side effects and their causes with a recommended plan of management. Tables list categorical activities of OCs. Intended to help clinicians choose among OC types. Trim size: 7.5 x 4.25 inches. Softcover.

Customes reviews 9

Helpful hormonal contraceptive managment reference (2009-12-19)

At some point I suppose the title of this handy little handbook will have to change because it no longer provides information about oral contraceptives only. Still the handy center index and helpful content. I've relied on this reference since it was firt available and especially appreciate the tables describing the biological activity of oral contraceptives. Makes it easier to switch pills when patients develop side effects to the ones they're using. And the information about non-oral products like injected and inserted contraceptives is a good addition.

Excellent resource (2009-04-10)

I've used this book before in my 8 years of practice as a Nurse Practioner. Invaluable.

Must have reference for practice (2008-01-04)

I have used this book since 1992, both as a student and as a provider. My past editions have been well thumbed through and open imediately to the charts I used most. It is invaluable in the decision making process of changing pills or starting OCPs. The ability to safely manage side effects and fine tune women's health is found in this book. I highly recommend this to the student and experienced practitioner. Well worth the money, many times over. Not sure I would want it in a PDA format.

Essential tool. (2006-12-11)

I daily use this handbook in my practice and have bought every edition since the 7th. Every question is answered. Allows sense to be made of oral contraceptive choice and adjustment without relying on big pharma's propaganda.

Managing Contraceptive Patient (2005-09-08)

Consistent in it's format, easy to use,concise and up to date. Recommended to all medical personnel managing patients on oral contraceptives. I have purchased the last three editions over the last 7 years and have not been disappointed.

The Pill, Pygmy Chimps, and Degas' Horse/the Remarkable Autobiography of the Award-Winning Scientist Who Synthesized the Birth Control Pill

Authors: Carl Djerassi
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication date: 1998
ISBN: 0465057586
Pages: 352
Rating:
Price: $16.95

Describing the lucrative world of drug development, the controversy on the politics of contraception, and poignant stories of his personal and professional aspirations, the award-winning scientist who synthesized the birth control pill offers his fascinating autobiography. Photos.

Customes reviews 3

Satisfying book (2009-11-28)

The author seems to take himself not too seriously and also by the portrait that he paints he seems not to be the ideal family man. It is interesting to read the description of his career path and I recommend the book to scientists and non-scientists alike.

No regrets. (2002-10-22)

Revealing autobiography of the scientist who transformed the world by synthesizing the Pill.
"I have no regrets that the Pill has contributed to the sexual revolution of our time and perhaps expedited it, because most of those changes in sexual mores would have happened anyway."

Djerassi give us an incisive picture of his personal life. But the biggest part of this book tells the intriguing story of the synthesizing of the Pill and the problems to prove that there were only minor side-effects: a battle with the FDA. A good lesson for every scientist.
He is perhaps too harsh for the environmental fundamentalist. But he remarks among other things that "... in general, life in the modern industrial world has not contributed to increased death from cancer", and that "99.9 percent of all pesticides consumed by humans are derived not from synthetics but rather from the plants themselves".
Also interesting is the story of the Pugwash Conference, whose altruistic goal was corrupted by a struggle between the cold war warriors.
His biggest confession "At heart, I'm still a gambler."
Excellent work, not only for scientists.

Prevailing over life's circumstances (2000-06-28)

To read from the works of Carl Djerassi is to sample the mind of a creative genius the breadth of whose life activities spans scientific research to writing fiction and plays. His autobiography is best read in the context of some of his other works. This review of his autobiography will reference two of his works of fiction, The Bourbaki Gambit, and NO.

These books will never be on the best seller lists. Yet it precisely because of this that they should be read by scientists and engineers as food for thought. These books grew on me. By the time that I had finished them, I had experienced compelling plot lines. More importantly I had experienced the emotions of scientists at the beginnings and ends of their careers. Is Djerassi, at an age where many are spending their days playing golf or reliving their pasts, using science in fiction as metaphor for his own career? Is not the promise of the medical advances of the last several decades the time and the vitality to explore new horizons and to boldly embark on a new career, rather than to ride quietly into the sunset? If nothing else, these works celebrate creative solutions to how one manages one's career throughout one's life.

The Bourbaki Gambit has Max Weiss, professor of chemistry at Princeton University, being forced into a retirement that he neither wants nor is prepared for. Stunned at a sudden loss of all that has been his life, Max considers others in his predicament and hatches a plan to show that retirement age does not mean the end of contributions. The plan? Nothing less than to jointly make a fabulous scientific discovery, and publish it as a sole, fictitious author. Does the plan work? Read the book.

If this was all you read, you might be tempted to say that this is the swan song of an old professor, but NO takes us to the other end of the spectrum. The device for this book is the molecule nitric oxide, which is active in many physiological processes. Specifically this book is a fictionalized account of the development and commercialization of a predecessor to Viagra. urialism. In the end, both husband and wife fulfill their careers by going full circle.

To better understand these works as metaphors for a scientific career, you must read Dieresis's autobiography. The rather cumbersome title, The Pill, Pygmy Chimps, and Degas' Horse, prepares the reader for what comes -- a highly readable journey through a series of defining events in his life. Question: is it better to read the fiction first, or the autobiography? Clearly this is a man the power of whose ideas transcends science or literature. Approach the autobiography as an insight into his mind. From persecution in 1930's Vienna as a teenager; to dealing with the provincial culture of the Mid West at the outset of World War II; to performing world class chemical synthesis from an isolated setting in Mexico in the early 1950's (activities which led to the synthesis of compounds that ultimately became the oral contraceptive); Carl Djerassi defined his surroundings. Lesser individuals may have been victims of their circumstances, but Carl Djerassi took his surroundings and prevailed. This is the message of this autobiography.

Now back to the question -- which to read first. Read the fiction first. Technologists can enjoy these as stories that speak to them. An engineer nearing retirement will immediately bond with Max Weiss, who struggles with the complexities of retirement. A young technologist, one contemplating entrepreneurship, or a dual career couple will find kinship with the protagonists in NO as they struggle with pursuing their visions. Then read the autobiography. What makes the stories so good is that he is writing from experience. The young technologists in NO, working in Israel, could be the young Djerassi working in Mexico City. Max Weiss could be Djerassi at a Gordon Conference poking fun at priority at any cost mentality of some scientists. And the ever cool Diana Doyle-Ditmus represents the ideal for an intellectually and physically active senior lifestyle.

These books, read either as a set or individually, can be an inspiration to technologists at any point in their career.

The New No-Pill, No-Risk Birth Control

Authors: Nona Aguilar
Publisher: Rawson Assoc
Publication date: 1985-12
ISBN: 0892563001
Pages: 256
Rating:
Price: $12.95

Customes reviews 11

Very Pleased (2007-07-30)

This is a really exciting approach to natural family planning. The writing is clear and informative, and there are lots of charts and illustrations to help convey the information. The book has a lot of scientific information but doesn't read like a dry, clinical, manual.

Great book (2007-05-09)

I found this book in a Salvation Army and I'm glad I bought it! The info in this book (and my mom's advice) has helped my husband and I remain childless for a whole year -hopefully it will work for a couple more years as we finish college. My husband and I love the method! I would recommend it to anyone. We have never supplemented the method with any other form of contraceptive.

Effective 'Breastfeeding Birth Control' (2006-05-31)

I can't say that I've used all of the information in this book just YET.
I am writing a review because I have used the advice contained in this book that explains all of the 'necessary conditions' for using breastfeeding as a method of birth control.
Well, for me, this was a 'leap of faith'. I knew I did not want to take the pill, and also that I did not want children closer than nine months apart! So, in addition to the advice that is given in this book, we also used condoms for the first two or three months after birth(s), and 'the rest' has worked great for spacing each of my 3 children 3 years apart.
This is definite reading for every married couple, but especially every woman that does not want to take the pill (especially while breastfeeding).

Informative, but tough to get through (2005-09-25)

This book had a lot of information, but nothing different/new than what I read in other books on the subject. There were no pictures or sample charts to view, so if not for having other books on hand to reference I don't think I would be able to successfully track my fertility. This book would be best used to supplement another fertility awareness book. I would reccomend "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler

Used this to conceive! (2000-08-24)

My body and mind have never been in sync, so this book was a real eye-opener for me! Easy to follow and logical. We used this book in conjunction with a series of Clomid and both feel we scored a hit (and a gorgeous baby boy!) almost first try because we used both in conjunction. It also saved my husband's energy!! We shall use it again (in reverse, like another reviewer) when we're ready for our second.

The Pill and other forms of hormonal contraception (The Facts)

Authors: John Guillebaud, Anne MacGregor
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date: 2009-08-01
ISBN: 0199565767
Pages: 200
Price: $19.95

Used by over 200 million women since the 1960s, the Pill is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines--and has repeatedly been established as one of the least harmful ever formulated. However, there are some risks, and a number of "Pill Scares" have been reported in the media--often causing women to give up the Pill without finding a satisfactory alternative.

More choices are now available than ever to users of hormonal contraception, and it can be difficult for doctors or family planning workers to find the time for detailed discussion with existing or new users.

Women of all ages, whether they are existing users of or new to hormonal contraception, will find realistic, practical, and trustworthy guidance in this book to help them to make their own informed decisions. It will also be indispensable to health professionals as a concise, balanced overview. Thise user-friendly book contains extensive and unbiases advice and information on the Pill, along with other hormonal alternatives such as implants, injections, and patches.

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