Don't Forget to Take That Pill! Patent Inventions That Can Help

Clever and weird inventions that help women take their birth control every day.

In contrast with certain Republican politicians and religious leaders on Capitol Hill yesterday, some brave souls around the country have tried to make it easier, not harder, for women to avoid unwanted pregnancy. For women who take birth control pills, one of the biggest hurdles can be regularly taking the pill at the same time every day. Doing so dramatically increases the pill's effectiveness. Many women employ calendar reminders or just sheer force of routine to get on a regular schedule, but a few inventors have also patented little devices to help. Most people are probably familiar with the standard pill-dispenser case shown above. Here are a few that try to improve upon it:

Hair brush dispenser:

Toothbrush dispenser (with fully water-proof storage compartment):

Timed dispenser:

Of course, for those curious, the US Patent Office has many, many other inventions that are meant to prevent conception, a testament to the widespread interest in having sex without reproducing.