Birth control methods have been used by human societies for thousands of years, and some of the earliest examples date back to ancient times. In this article, we will explore some of the methods of birth control used by ancient civilizations.
Condoms:
The ancient Egyptians are believed to have used condoms made of linen. These early condoms were likely designed to prevent pregnancy as well as protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Herbs and Plants:
Many ancient societies, including the Greeks and Romans, used herbs and plants as a form of birth control. For example, the Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about the use of silphium, a plant with contraceptive properties that was eventually driven to extinction due to its high demand.
Withdrawal:
Withdrawal, or the practice of pulling out before ejaculation, has been used as a form of birth control since ancient times. The Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian text on sexuality, describes the practice in detail.
Abstinence:
Abstinence, or refraining from sexual intercourse, was also used as a form of birth control in ancient times. In some cultures, such as the ancient Greeks, celibacy was even considered a virtue.
Animal Bladders:
Animal bladders were sometimes used as makeshift condoms in ancient times. For example, the ancient Chinese are believed to have used lamb bladders for this purpose.
Infanticide:
While not a form of birth control in the traditional sense, infanticide was sometimes used as a means of controlling population growth in ancient societies. In some cases, unwanted or illegitimate children were simply abandoned or left to die, while in other cases they were killed intentionally.
It’s important to note that these methods were not always effective, and many carried significant risks. Additionally, the lack of modern medical knowledge and technology meant that the potential for unintended consequences, such as infection or injury, was high. Despite these limitations, however, ancient societies found ways to exert some control over their fertility and their populations.
2023 – Sex Scrolls
Sex Scrolls 