How effective are different contraception methods. What are the most popular forms of birth control. Which contraceptives have unexpected benefits or side effects. Who should avoid certain types of birth control. How has contraception use changed over time.

The Prevalence of Contraception Use Among American Women

Contraception plays a crucial role in family planning and reproductive health for millions of women across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two-thirds of women between the ages of 15 and 44 currently use some form of birth control. This widespread adoption of contraceptive methods highlights the importance of understanding the various options available and their implications for women’s health.

Among the nonsurgical contraceptive choices, oral contraceptives (commonly known as “the pill”) remain the most popular option. However, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, have seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years. This shift in preferences reflects the ongoing evolution of contraceptive technology and changing attitudes towards different birth control methods.

Age-Related Trends in Contraception Use

Interestingly, the likelihood of using contraception varies across different age groups. The CDC reports that approximately 62% of women aged 20 to 29 currently use birth control. This percentage increases to 72% for women in their 30s and reaches nearly 74% for women aged 40 and older. These statistics reveal a notable trend: younger women are less likely to use contraception compared to their older counterparts.

This pattern raises concerns among healthcare professionals, particularly for women in their early 20s. Dr. Lindsey Longerot, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women in Houston, emphasizes that this age group would likely be most significantly impacted by an unintended pregnancy. The lower rate of contraception use among younger women underscores the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to promote safe and responsible family planning practices.

Female Sterilization: A Popular Permanent Solution

Despite being a permanent form of contraception, female sterilization, commonly referred to as “tying tubes,” remains the most popular birth control method among American women. The CDC reports that 18.6% of women currently use this method, with its prevalence increasing with age. Approximately 1 in 20 women aged 20 to 29 opt for sterilization, while nearly two in five women over 40 have undergone the procedure.

Female sterilization involves surgically closing or blocking the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from being fertilized by sperm. While highly effective, Dr. Longerot warns that there is still a low risk of ectopic pregnancy after sterilization. This permanent solution appeals to many women who have completed their families or are certain they do not wish to have children in the future.

The Pill: Advantages and Limitations

Oral contraceptives, colloquially known as “the pill,” continue to be the most popular reversible form of birth control. However, usage rates decrease with age, with 19.5% of women in their 20s using the pill, compared to 11% of women in their 30s and 5.1% of women in their 40s. The pill offers several advantages, including ease of use and the ability to quickly discontinue if pregnancy is desired.

Linda Rice, a certified nurse midwife at Boston Medical Center, notes that the pill can also provide relief from symptoms associated with difficult periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and acne. These additional benefits contribute to its popularity among younger women who may be seeking both contraception and management of menstrual-related issues.

However, combination birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, are not suitable for all women. Daily adherence is crucial for effectiveness, and the pills must ideally be taken at the same time each day. Additionally, these oral contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. The CDC advises that smokers over 35 and women with a history of blood clots or breast cancer should consider alternative contraceptive methods.

The Mini-Pill: A Progestin-Only Alternative

For women who need to avoid estrogen, the mini-pill offers a viable alternative. This progestin-only pill is particularly suitable for women at risk of blood clots or those who are breastfeeding. Rice explains that the absence of estrogen makes it a safer option for certain individuals.

While the mini-pill provides an important contraceptive choice, it is not without potential side effects. Users may experience irregular or absent periods, mood changes, nausea, and headaches. It’s important to note that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against the use of progestin-only pills for women with breast cancer.

Contraceptive Patches and Rings: Convenient Alternatives to Pills

For women who struggle with the daily regimen of oral contraceptives, contraceptive patches and rings offer a more convenient solution. These methods contain the same hormones found in most combination birth control pills (estrogen and progestin) and carry similar risks and benefits. However, their less frequent dosing schedule makes them easier for many women to use consistently.

Dr. Sally Rafie, a pharmacy specialist at the University of California San Diego Health System and birth control expert, explains that “the patch is replaced weekly, and the ring is replaced monthly, which is a lot less remembering than the daily pill.” This reduced frequency of administration can lead to improved compliance and, consequently, more effective contraception. Additionally, a new type of vaginal ring that only needs to be replaced annually has recently become available, further expanding the options for long-acting reversible contraception.

Progestin Injections: Long-Acting Contraception with Considerations

Progestin injections offer another form of long-acting contraception for women. These shots are administered in the buttocks or arm four times a year, providing continuous protection against pregnancy. However, this method comes with some important considerations.

The CDC notes that progestin injections can reduce bone density, making them generally not recommended as a first-line contraceptive option. If no other suitable alternatives are available, Dr. Rafie emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health.

Furthermore, progestin injections may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women with preexisting risk factors or a history of cardiovascular issues. This underscores the need for thorough medical evaluation and discussion with a healthcare provider before choosing this contraceptive method.

Factors Influencing Contraceptive Choices

When selecting a contraceptive method, several factors come into play:

• Effectiveness: Different methods have varying rates of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
• Ease of use: Some women may prefer methods that require less frequent administration or maintenance.
• Side effects: Each contraceptive option comes with its own set of potential side effects, which may influence individual choices.
• Health considerations: Certain medical conditions or risk factors may limit the suitability of specific contraceptive methods.
• Future fertility plans: Women’s intentions regarding future pregnancies can impact their choice of reversible or permanent contraception.
• Non-contraceptive benefits: Some methods offer additional advantages, such as managing menstrual symptoms or improving acne.

The Importance of Informed Decision-Making

Given the diverse array of contraceptive options available and the potential health implications associated with each method, it is crucial for women to make informed decisions about their birth control choices. This involves:

1. Consulting with healthcare providers to discuss individual health histories and risk factors
2. Staying informed about the latest developments in contraceptive technology
3. Regularly reassessing contraceptive needs as life circumstances and health status change
4. Being aware of potential side effects and knowing when to seek medical advice
5. Understanding the correct usage and effectiveness rates of chosen methods

The Evolution of Contraceptive Coverage and Accessibility

The landscape of contraceptive access in the United States has undergone significant changes in recent years. The passage of the Affordable Care Act marked a turning point in birth control coverage, making a wider range of contraceptive options available through health insurance without copayments. This policy shift has had a profound impact on women’s ability to access their preferred methods of contraception.

Improved coverage has led to increased adoption of more effective, long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUDs and implants. These methods, while initially more expensive, offer long-term protection and can be more cost-effective over time. The reduction in financial barriers has empowered more women to choose contraceptive options that best suit their needs and lifestyles.

Challenges in Contraceptive Access and Education

Despite improvements in coverage, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to contraception:

• Geographic disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas
• Variations in state policies regarding contraceptive coverage and sex education
• Cultural and religious factors that may influence contraceptive choices
• Misinformation and myths surrounding different contraceptive methods
• Lack of comprehensive sex education in many school systems

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare providers, policymakers, educators, and community organizations.

The Future of Contraception: Emerging Technologies and Trends

The field of contraception continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development aimed at creating more effective, convenient, and user-friendly methods. Some promising areas of innovation include:

• Male contraceptive options, such as hormonal gels and injectable compounds
• Non-hormonal contraceptives that minimize side effects
• Smart technologies for tracking fertility and optimizing contraceptive use
• Biodegradable implants that don’t require removal
• Multipurpose prevention technologies that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

As these technologies progress, they have the potential to revolutionize family planning and provide individuals with even more options for safe and effective contraception. However, it’s important to note that the development and approval process for new contraceptive methods can be lengthy, ensuring thorough evaluation of safety and efficacy before widespread availability.

The Role of Contraception in Public Health

Beyond individual family planning, contraception plays a crucial role in broader public health initiatives:

1. Reducing unintended pregnancies and associated health risks
2. Improving maternal and child health outcomes
3. Empowering women to pursue educational and career goals
4. Contributing to economic development and poverty reduction
5. Addressing population growth and its environmental impacts

Recognizing these far-reaching effects, many public health organizations and governments prioritize access to contraception as a key component of their health and development strategies.

Contraception and Reproductive Rights

The topic of contraception is intrinsically linked to broader discussions of reproductive rights and healthcare access. Debates surrounding contraceptive coverage, sex education, and abortion rights continue to shape policies and public discourse in many countries, including the United States.

Advocates for comprehensive reproductive healthcare argue that access to a full range of contraceptive options is essential for women’s autonomy and equality. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based sex education and contraceptive counseling to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

On the other hand, some groups oppose certain forms of contraception on religious or moral grounds, leading to ongoing legal and political challenges regarding contraceptive coverage and accessibility. These debates highlight the complex intersection of personal beliefs, public health concerns, and individual rights that surround the issue of contraception.

Global Perspectives on Contraception

While this article primarily focuses on contraception use in the United States, it’s important to consider the global context:

• Contraceptive use and availability vary widely across different countries and cultures
• In some regions, lack of access to contraception contributes to high rates of unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality
• International organizations work to promote family planning and contraceptive access as part of global development goals
• Cultural norms and religious beliefs significantly influence contraceptive practices in many parts of the world
• Migration and globalization are leading to increased exchange of ideas and practices related to contraception

Understanding these global perspectives can provide valuable insights into the diverse challenges and approaches to contraception worldwide, informing more comprehensive and culturally sensitive reproductive health strategies.

10 Surprising Facts About Contraception

Nearly every woman will use contraception at some point in her life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and some will use more than one type in the same month. Over the years, certain types of birth control have gained popularity, while others have declined.

For example, while the pill is still the most common form of reversible contraception used by women in the U.S., intrauterine device (IUD) use is increasing, too, according to a 2018 report from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, more birth control options than ever were covered by health insurance, with no copay.

Here are 10 additional facts about contraception that may surprise you.

10 Surprising Facts About Contraceptives

1. Most American women ages 15 to 44 use contraception. Nearly two thirds of women in this age group currently use some form of contraception, according to the CDC. Their number one nonsurgical choice is the pill, closely followed by long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as an IUD or implant.

2. Young women are less likely to use contraception than older women. About 62 percent of women 20 to 29 currently use birth control. Compare this with the 72 percent of women 30 to 39 who report using contraceptives and the nearly 74 percent of women 40 and older who are currently on birth control, according to the CDC.

That trend concerns Lindsey Longerot, MD, an ob-gyn at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women in Houston, because younger women, she says — including those in their early 20s — “would likely be impacted the most by an unintended pregnancy.”

3. Although female sterilization is permanent, it’s also popular. Tying your tubes is actually the most popular form of contraception among American women, according to the CDC, currently used by 18. 6 percent of them. The use increases with age, from about 1 in 20 women ages 20 to 29 to nearly two in five women over 40. The procedure permanently prevents pregnancy by closing or blocking the fallopian tubes so eggs can’t be fertilized by sperm. Still, there is a low risk of ectopic pregnancy after sterilization, warns Dr. Longerot.

4. The pill is popular, but it’s not for everyone. While the pill is still the most popular reversible form of birth control, the CDC’s data found that use decreases with age: It’s used by 19.5 percent of women in their 20s, 11 percent of women in their 30s, and 5.1 percent of women in their 40s. An advantage, Longerot says, is that it can be easily stopped if a woman wants to get pregnant. Taking the pill can also ease symptoms of difficult periods, PMS, and acne, says Linda Rice, a certified nurse midwife at Boston Medical Center.

But combination birth control pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, are not the best choice for every woman. Not only do these oral contraceptives have to be taken every day, preferably at the same time, but they can also raise the risk for a blood clot, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. Smokers over 35 and women with a history of blood clots or breast cancer should opt for another contraceptive, the CDC says.

5. The mini-pill could be a better choice for some women. Because the mini-pill contains only progestin, Rice says, it’s a good choice for women who need to avoid estrogen, such as those who might be at risk for blood clots or are breastfeeding. Possible side effects include irregular or nonexistent periods, mood changes, nausea, and headaches. But the progestin-only pills are not for women who have breast cancer, advises the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

6. Contraceptive patches or rings may be easier to stick to than pills. These have the same hormones found in most combination birth control pills (estrogen and progestin) and carry the same risks and benefits, Longerot says, but they have a more favorable dosing schedule. In general, says Sally Rafie, PharmD, a pharmacy specialist at the University of California San Diego Health System and birth control expert, “the patch is replaced weekly, and the ring is replaced monthly, which is a lot less remembering than the daily pill.” Another type of vaginal ring that needs to be replaced only once a year is also available.

7. A progestin shot is another form of birth control for women. These injections are given in the buttocks or arm four times a year, according to the CDC, but because the shot can reduce bone density, it’s usually not recommended. If there’s no birth control alternative for you, it’s important to get enough calcium and vitamin D, Dr. Rafie says.

In addition, the injection can increase risk for cardiovascular disease, especially among women with preexisting risk factors or a history of stroke, vascular disease, or poorly controlled high blood pressure. Some women also have irregular bleeding after the injection, notes the ACOG.

8. IUD use has tripled in recent years. Among women ages 15 to 44, 2.4 percent reported using an IUD in 2002. That rate rose to 7.9 percent between 2015 and 2017, according to the most recent data from the National Survey of Family Growth.

IUDs have been available for decades, but they fell out of favor in the 1970s and ’80s. That’s because older devices had a design flaw that pulled bacteria into the uterus, which caused pelvic inflammatory disease that could lead to infertility and even death, according to the National Women’s Health Network.

Today’s redesigned devices are extremely safe and 20 times more effective than the pill, although they still carry a small risk for uterine perforation and infection. “It’s essentially ‘get it and forget it’ for a few years at least,” says Rafie. “They are perfect options for women who are not planning on becoming pregnant for several years.” The American Academy of Pediatrics and ACOG now recommend IUDs for sexually active teens.

9. The latex male condom is the only method that protects against some STIs. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only forms of contraception that have been shown to protect against some STIs, including HIV. “The benefit of condoms is that they can protect against sexually transmitted infections and are available without a prescription,” Rice says. But condoms alone have a failure rate of about 13 percent, notes the CDC. And they don’t offer 100 percent protection against STIs, especially the human papillomavirus (HPV).

10. The best birth control is the one that’s right for you. Before you settle on a birth control method, think about your ability to take medication consistently, whether you plan to have children (and when), and your preexisting medical conditions, Longerot says. Then, talk openly with your doctor about your needs and options.

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5 Lesser-Known Facts About Contraceptives: Asia Mohsin, MD: OBGYN

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If you’re investigating your birth control options, or if you’re already using one of the many FDA-approved options, chances are good that there are some facts about contraceptives you don’t know.   

At Progressive Women’s Health in Friendswood, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Asia Mohsin, MD, and the care team want you to make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health. 

Our team created this informative post to give you the information you need to know about your birth control options, including facts many women aren’t aware of.

1. There are 19 FDA-approved forms of birth control

If you’ve felt overwhelmed when looking at your contraceptive options, it’s no wonder. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved 19 forms of birth control, including:

• Female and male sterilization surgery
• Copper and hormone-based intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Under-skin implants
• Birth control shots
• Combined, extended use, and progestin-only birth control pills
• Birth control patch
• Vaginal ring
• Diaphragm
• Vaginal sponge
• Cervical cap
• External and internal condoms
• Spermicide

This number also includes two emergency contraceptives, which are approved for use if your regular birth control fails or if you didn’t use a contraceptive. 

2. Most women in the US use contraception

Contraception use in the United States is very common, with nearly two-thirds of women of reproductive age (15-44) using some type of birth control. The most popular non-permanent form of birth control remains the pill (about 13%), though IUDs and other long-acting contraceptives are gaining in popularity. 

Although it’s permanent, female sterilization is actually the most common method of contraception in the US, with nearly 20% of women opting to have their tubes tied. However, this method remains age dependent, with only 5% of women under age 30 opting for this form of birth control compared to 40% of women over age 40.  

3. IUDs are the most effective type of reversible birth control

Intrauterine devices are gaining in popularity in the US, with use increasing nearly five-fold since the 1990s. An IUD is a small device that’s implanted, and it’s more than 99% effective. Depending on the brand, they last for 5-15 years, making them the most effective type of contraception on the planet. 

And, unlike the pill, which must be taken at the same time every day, or the shot, which requires several trips to the doctor’s office every year, an IUD doesn’t require any action on your part once it’s in place.  

Plus, if you decide to have children, the IUD can be removed and you can resume fertility with your next cycle. It’s not surprising, then, that this simple device is quickly growing in popularity.   

4. The pill remains popular, but it’s not right for everyone

When it comes to birth control, the “best” method is the one that’s right for your unique body and lifestyle preference. Although the birth control pill remains the most popular reversible type of contraception, it isn’t always a good choice for every woman.

In addition to requiring the discipline needed to take the pill at the same time every day, combination pills, which have both progestin and estrogen, can cause frustrating symptoms, such as nausea, mood changes, headaches, and weight gain. 

And for some women — such as those with a history of breast cancer or smokers over age 35 — the pill can increase the risk of developing a blood clot. 

If this describes you, be sure to talk with Dr. Mohsin about the mini-pill, which causes fewer side effects and doesn’t increase the risk for blood clots. 

5. Only one type of contraception protects against STDs

Using external condoms alone has a real-world failure rate of about 13%. This means although condoms stop pregnancy about 98% of the time under laboratory conditions, in the real world, 13 out of 100 people who only use condoms get pregnant every year. This rate climbs to 21% for internal condoms. 

However, when it comes to protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), condoms (external and internal) are the only form of birth control that can stop infections from spreading. This means that even if you’re using another contraceptive to prevent pregnancy, it’s still a good idea to use condoms to protect yourself and your partner from STDs.  

To get more facts about contraception or to get personalized recommendations, call 281-626-7694 or book an appointment online with Progressive Women’s Health today. We also offer telehealth visits.

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90,000 Indians in the world, perhaps more than Chinese / In the world / Nezavisimaya Gazeta

Huge crowds fill the streets of India’s commercial capital, Mumbai. Reuters photo

China is not the largest country in terms of population. India overtook him. Chinese officials are exaggerating birth rates to hide the dire consequences of the previous harsh population policy and to get more money from the Center for elementary schools. According to official statistics, there are about 1.4 billion citizens in China. But in fact – 115 million less, says an American scientist. Experts agree that statistics in China depend on politics.

In Soviet times, an anecdote was popular. When applying for a job, a person fills out a questionnaire, which asks the question: “Did you show hesitation in carrying out the party line?” The wise one replied: “He hesitated along with the party.”

The Chinese Communist Party’s demographic policy has also been subject to drastic fluctuations. Back in the 1950s, pragmatic leaders came to the conclusion that if population growth was not limited, the country would not be able to feed itself. Exhibitions began to be held where people were explained in detail how to avoid the birth of an unwanted child.

But when Mao Zedong proclaimed a course for a “great leap” in order to quickly catch up with Western countries in the economy, the pragmatists turned into seditious. Mao argued: the more people, the stronger the country will be.

The chaos created by the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution was over. And then Beijing returned to the policy of family planning. Moreover, the quota was set harsh: one family – one child. There were also exceptions to this attitude, which concerned primarily national minorities.

Today, the demographic policy of the state has again become the subject of discussion. American researcher Yi Fuxian, a senior research fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, argues that population figures are deliberately inflated. In fact, it was not 1.395 million people in 2018, as announced, but about 1.280 million. That is, China may be lagging behind India in terms of population.

However, according to UN data from July 2019year, the population of India is 1. 37 billion. That is, it ranks second in the world – after China. India could overtake China to become the world’s most populous country in eight years.

Yi Fuxian writes in his work that Beijing’s economic, social, and even foreign policy is based on false demographic information. And two different groups of officials are interested in juggling.

The first is the Family Planning Authority. It wants to show that the population is growing rapidly in order to hide the truth about the brutal birth control policy, accompanied by violence, in previous years. This policy has led to the current decline in population growth. As a result, the very existence of a birth control system has been called into question.

Secondly, these are officials in the provinces and counties. The state provides primary education for every child. And if the number of students is inflated, then local authorities may request more education subsidies from Beijing.

In an interview with NG, Andrei Karneev, deputy director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, noted: “The American scientist is not the first researcher to put forward such a hypothesis. He refers to past practice. But now it is not so tough, two years ago they moved away from it. Two children are allowed, and even more in minority areas.”

The rationale behind such reasoning is that official figures should be taken with a certain amount of skepticism. They may not be accurate. But just as this specialist says that they need to be adjusted downwards, others say that, on the contrary, upwards. Official figures underestimate the number, says Karneev.

“The American expert gives a certain figure, most likely taken from the ceiling. There is something to argue about. The claim that the numbers are inflated for the sake of increasing subsidies is, to put it mildly, unfounded. Each school has a list of students. This is easily verified. And it is unlikely that allocations for primary schools play any significant role in the total amount of expenditures, ”Karneev believes.

In the conditions of modern China, many statistics, including those on GDP, are a propaganda tool. Therefore, there is a widespread opinion among analysts: many more years will pass before Chinese statistics will objectively reflect the real facts, the expert concluded.

what will happen to the population of the Earth in the future – 02/28/2023 – Articles on REN TV

In 1906, Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev made one curious forecast about the population in the Russian Empire by 2026. At the time of calculations, it was 146 million citizens. Mendeleev relied on census data 1897 years and statistics of the following years. The forecast, to put it mildly, is optimistic – more than a billion people.

Here is a quote from his research: “The Russian Empire was distinguished by a large natural increase in population, even wars had practically no effect on this indicator. In every minute of the day and night, the total number of births in Russia exceeded the number of deaths by 4 people. The annual natural increase of the population is – at least 2 million inhabitants.

Why didn’t Mendeleev’s prediction come true? Why did China abandon the policy of “one family – one child”? And why does the UN believe that it is urgent to introduce birth control? 9 talks about it0043 program “Unknown History” with Boris Ryzhov on REN TV.

What did the permission to have only one child in China lead to? India and China are the leaders in terms of population. Almost a third of earthlings live in these two countries.

According to the UN forecast, the gap between India and China in terms of population will increase significantly in the coming years.

“China now has one of the lowest birth rates. Therefore, China is threatened with a very severe depopulation. There will be up to two pensioners per one worker,” – said Andrey Korotaev, a leading researcher at the International Human Capital Demography Laboratory of the RANEPA.

The reason for this crisis is the policy pursued in the state in the 70s of the last century. Then the Chinese authorities decided to reduce the country’s population to one billion two hundred thousand people and launched the program: “One family – one child.”

Photo: © Global Look Press/Wang Quanchao/XinHua

, – said Yuri Krupnov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Institute of Demography, Migration and Regional Development.

Women were forced to undergo abortions and even sterilization. And families that, contrary to the law, gave birth to children, were punished with a large fine. The name of the woman in the video is Nanfu, which means “Male Support of the Family” in Chinese. Her parents dreamed of a son, but they understood that they were unlikely to have a second child.

“I was born in 1985, and six years earlier China had a one-child policy. Immediately after I was born, local officials suggested that my mother be sterilized. My grandfather resisted because he wanted a grandson who would keep him surname. And my parents nevertheless gave birth to a son, paying a fabulous fine. He amounted to five average salaries of our family, “,” she said.

In 2015, the one-child policy was abolished as the country faced a lot of problems because of it. The main ones are the lack of labor force and gender imbalance. Now the authorities are trying in every possible way to stimulate the birth rate. But so far without success.

Photo: © Global Look Press/Alex Chan/Keystone Press Agency

“It turned out that it is quite easy to enforce a low birth rate administratively and economically. We see such dramatic changes in just a few decades. But to return the birth rate , or at least even slightly restore and increase it – no one in the world really knows how to do this, “expert Krupnov noted .

Census history

Population counting was first puzzled in antiquity. But the censuses then were extremely imperfect. Only men were taken into account, since it was they who paid taxes and served in the army.

In the Middle Ages, scribe books became widespread in Western Europe. Information about the population in them was also very scarce. As a rule, only the number of families in a particular settlement was indicated.

Photo: © commons.wikimedia.org

“The first data about the first full-fledged census of the modern type with fixing the time of the census, covers the entire population of the country, and now there is a systematic data collection program. This is Sweden, this is Sweden 1749year”, – expert Korotaev said.

The first census of the modern type in our country was carried out in 1897. It was initiated by the famous Russian scientist Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky. He defined himself as “the owner of the Russian land”, and recorded his wife as “the mistress”. According to the results of the census, it turned out that 125.7 million people live in the country.

“And it turned out, in fact, that Russia is one of the most populous countries in the world, a powerful state with a great ability to mobilize up to 20 million people for an army. And a huge number of monographs and articles were published based on the results of this census. Actually, it was such an application that a full-fledged world power was entering the 20th century.0038 said expert Krupnov.

Dmitri Mendeleev’s calculations

In 1906, Dmitri Mendeleev studied the results of the census and published the book “To the Knowledge of Russia”. The scientist calculated that at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the natural population growth in our country was almost 2 percent per year. Higher than anywhere else in Europe. Based on these data, through simple mathematical calculations, Mendeleev came to the conclusion that in 1950, 282 million people will live in the Russian Empire, and more than a billion in 2026.

Photo: © RIA Novosti

Of course, Dmitry Mendeleev could not have foreseen the terrible catastrophes that befell our country in the twentieth century. Take, for example, the Great Patriotic War, in which the Soviet Union lost about 27 million people. However, during World War II, the mass production and use of antibiotics began. The development of medicine has led to an increase in the population around the world.

“Antibiotics turned out to be a powerful tool in the fight against almost all infectious diseases, including the fight against infection associated with a wound on the battlefield. Just after the Second World War, such a massive diffusion of antibiotics went precisely to the periphery of the world-system. Where most of humanity lives. And most of humanity lives in the third world,” – expert Korotaev told.

What will happen to the world’s population in the future

According to UN forecasts, by 2050 more than half of the world’s population will live in just eight countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, Philippines and Ethiopia . And Africa over the next 80 years will become the main driver of world population growth.

“According to these forecasts, the population of Uganda, in general, will reach the population of Russia by the end of the century.