In deprivation conditions: how in the USSR were they protected from unwanted pregnancies

In the Soviet years, many couples who were not yet ready to have children or were no longer ready to have children faced the problem of contraception. Alas, barrier and oral agents were rare in the country. Thus, venereal diseases and unwanted pregnancies were frequent surprises after intercourse. And, as a result, the number of abortions exploded: out of 140 million people, around 5 million women terminated their pregnancies.

So what was protected in the USSR?

Alas, coitus interruptus was the most popular method of protection. At a minimum, this method does not protect against genital infections. And then women moved on to plan B: douching and flushing, which, of course, are ineffective.

In the 1950s, condoms began to appear in major cities. Alas, they bought them abroad – they were of high quality and … at high prices and, therefore, inaccessible to the majority. And yet, by pulling, such condoms disassembled quite quickly.

Ordinary mortals had access to locally produced contraceptives. Of the pluses – the price is 2 kopeks each. Of the minuses – the quality. These condoms were creepy rubber products (with a corresponding unpleasant smell), dusted with talcum powder.

It is also worth noting that the purchase of contraceptives was also a problem, because for a woman such a product was shameful, and nasty looks with reproach could await a man.

Oral contraceptives also existed, but it was almost impossible to get them. Like condoms, birth control pills for a woman were a disgrace. Those who were lucky enough to get them, did not go to the doctor at all and did not specify the dosage, but hid in the house and either took the medicine intuitively, or if there was a suspicion of pregnancy, they drank the whole package. Thus, contraceptives did not work at all or caused terrible harm to the body with their hormonal shock.

As you understood from the above, low sexual literacy and commodity shortages have led to many problems.

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