Yaz contraceptive starter kit

This starter kit contains Yaz, a combined oral contraceptive pill with 24 active (hormone) tablets and 4 inactive tablets, rather than the traditional 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets. This means that this particular product helps keep hormone levels even. The kit also contains instructions and a small transportable wallet to hold the pills safely. Starter kits are aimed at women starting a new contraceptive product.

Combined oral contraceptives were first approved for use in the United States in 1960, and quickly became the most popular type of birth control. The first contraceptive pill was available in New Zealand in 1961, and women were quick to take it, becoming some of the highest users in the world.

Described as a revolution, 'the Pill' changed attitudes towards contraception in society. The pill allowed women to control their fertility independently of intercourse and without internal manipulations by a doctor. It was a more predictable form of contraception that the previous barrier and spermicidal methods. The pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but in real life, it is sometimes less effective because pills might be missed, or other medicines being taken may interfere with its effectiveness.

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