Ava contraceptive pill

item details

NameAva contraceptive pill

ProductionArrow Pharmaceuticals (NZ) Limited; manufacturer(s); circa 2009; New Zealand

Classificationoral contraceptives, personalia

Materialshormone, plastic, paper, foil, cardboard

DimensionsOverall: 125mm (width), 64mm (height), 26mm (depth)

Registration NumberGH024434

Credit lineGift of Dame Margaret Sparrow, 2015

Overview

Ava is a commonly prescribed combined oral contraceptive pill in New Zealand. It combines synthetic versions of two different female hormones - a progestogen and an estrogen.

Described as a revolution, 'the Pill' changed attitudes towards contraception in society. The pill combined oestrogen and progesterone, taken by mouth to inhibit fertility. Combined oral contraceptives were first approved for use in the United States in 1960, and became the most popular type of birth control, being about 99% effective. The first contraceptive pill was available in New Zealand in 1961, by which time people were desperate for reliable birth control. New Zealand women were quick to take it, and became some of the highest users in the world.

This object was collected by Dame Margaret Sparrow, one of New Zealand’s leading specialists and advocates on birth control and sexual health.