I used to see "preventives" as part of the solution; now (after 40 years of seeing the real-world consequences) I see "preventives" as part of the problem.
The barrier types do 2 thing simultaneously: (1) they moderately reduce the chance of pregnancy per each act of intercourse, but (2) they very much increase the amount of intercourse: at earlier ages, with different partners, etc.
So effect #1 is canceled by effect #2. Which is why, the more prevalent contracpetive use is in a given society, the greater number of surprise pregnancies.
The hormonal contraceptives are far more effective at #1 (reducing the chance of pregnancy), but they also skyrocket the amount of STD's, and simultaneously (for hormonal reasons) increase depression and loss of libido.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1411918/posts>
So you've either got a lot of unwanted pregnancies, and abortions (abortion goes up in contraceptive societies, not down) OR you've got hormonally-confused, diseased depressed people who no longer even find that much spark in sex anymore.
With a lengthening history of abortions and infections, Doin' it more and enjoying it less.
Not a recipe for satisfaction.
The Fool's History: a Play in Two Acts:
Well, other than people returning to basic morality, it’s gotta be one or the other, IMO.
All I’m suggesting is that society should make it easy to get married, and hard to duck responsibility. I don’t know why this seems so complicated to everybody.