Vienna
Permanent collection

The Gräfenberg Ring: Tracing the History of a Pioneering Contraceptive Device

Learn about this historic medical steel coiled wire artifact discovered by Ernst Gräfenberg around 1920.

This detailed entry explores the Gräfenberg Ring, an early contraceptive device of coiled medical steel. It highlights the ingenuity of German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg, who also discovered the G-spot, and the artifact's profound historical importance. Discover the pioneering research and medical innovation from around 1920 embodied by this remarkable object.

About Gräfenberg Ring at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Gräfenberg Ring at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This entry details the Gräfenberg Ring, a contraceptive device composed of coiled wire, discovered by the German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg. The object, dating from approximately 1920 and made of medical steel, is part of the museum's collection, noted for its historical significance in contraception research and its connection to Gräfenberg's other discoveries.

Curatorial context

The Gräfenberg Ring is a specific object within the museum's collection, described as a ring composed of tightly wound coiled wire. It is linked to Ernst Gräfenberg, a gynecologist active in Germany during the first half of the 20th century, who is also credited with discovering the G-spot. This particular artifact dates from around 1920 and was made of medical steel. The object is cataloged with inventory number 1034 and is described as used and slightly bent, with one piece being new. Its origin is listed as Deutschland (Germany), and it was donated by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sepp Leodolter. This entry highlights a significant item in the history of contraception and medical innovation.

Gräfenberg Ring key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Gräfenberg Ring at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Venue
Museum of Contraception and Abortion
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
Ernst Gräfenberg (discoverer/developer)
More from Museum of Contraception and Abortion
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
Illustration of the history of pregnancy testing, showing ancient Egyptian grain tests, medieval urine analysis, frog-based tests, and modern HCG tests, all in purple watercolor style.
Permanent exhibition

Pregnancy Test: Historical Methods at Museum of Contraception and Abortion

Explore ancient traditions to early scientific techniques for confirming conception.

This exhibition explores the evolving history of pregnancy testing, from ancient observational practices to pioneering scientific discoveries. Discover curious stories and diverse cultural approaches to understanding human conception across the centuries. It offers insights into women's health through a historical lens.

The Pregnancy Test
Watercolor illustration of a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) with purple arms, an orange copper coil, and a blue thread, displayed on textured paper.
Permanent exhibition

Explore the Swing CU 380 IUD Exhibition at the Contraception History Museum

A historical plastic and copper T-coil device from 1995.

This permanent exhibit showcases the Swing CU 380, an intrauterine device used for contraception. Examine this well-preserved 1995 medical object to understand its design and role in reproductive health.

Swing CU 380 Exhibit
Close-up of a Saf-T-Coil 33S plastic spiral contraceptive with a small ball, displayed over medical instruction manuals and archival documents on a purple watercolor background.
Permanent exhibition

Saf-T-Coil 33S: 1970s Contraceptive Artifact at Museum of Contraception and Abortion

Explore this unique medical device and pharmaceutical history collection item.

Learn about the Saf-T-Coil 33S, a plastic spiral contraceptive collected for market research. This artifact from the early 1970s includes an instruction manual, offering insight into its design and historical use as a birth control device.

Saf-T-Coil 33S
A purple watercolor illustration of a Dalkon Shield contraceptive device with its insertion applicator, displayed on a dark background with artistic splatters.
Permanent exhibition

Dalkon Shield (brown) with insertion device: A Medical History Artifact

Explore the controversial history of this contraceptive coil.

Examine a brown Dalkon Shield contraceptive coil and its specific insertion device. This artifact offers insight into past birth control technologies and their impact, forming part of the Museum of Contraception and Abortion's collection.

Dalkon Shield Exhibit
Illustration of a Lippes Loop IUD, a historical contraceptive device made of polyethylene, displayed in a museum collection from the late 1960s.
Permanent exhibition

Discover the Multiload: A Historical Contraceptive Device from 1979 Medical History

Explore the plastic spiral's design and its market research significance.

The Multiload is a unique historical artifact representing contraceptive technology from 1979. This distinctive plastic spiral with protruding teeth was a key item collected by a pill manufacturer for significant market research purposes.

Multiload Exhibit
Watercolor illustration of a Multiload Cu 250 short intrauterine device (IUD) with copper wrapping, set against a purple and white watercolor background.
Permanent exhibition

Multiload Cu 250 Short: An Intrauterine Device Medical Artifact from 1982 Germany

A significant artifact revealing 1980s contraception technology and market research.

This detailed entry describes the Multiload Cu 250 short, a plastic spiral IUD with copper wrapping. It was collected for market research and dates to December 1982, originating from Germany. Explore its specifications and historical significance within medical device history.

Multiload Cu 250 Short
Vienna

Discover Current Exhibitions in Vienna: Your Essential Exhibition Search Guide

Explore Vienna's dynamic art and cultural displays today.

Find compelling art, history, and science exhibitions happening throughout Vienna. This specialized resource helps you locate unique cultural experiences and plan your visit to inspiring displays. Explore Vienna's rich cultural scene with ease.