Humans have always tried to manage reproduction—but before modern medicine gave us reliable options, people got wildly creative. The history of birth control is full of bizarre, sometimes dangerous, and always fascinating methods. Let’s take a trip through time and look at some of the most jaw-dropping ways people have tried to avoid pregnancy.
Wait...They Used What?!
Crocodile Dung “Tampons” – Ancient Egypt’s Finest
Around 1850 BCE, Egyptian women mixed crocodile dung with honey and inserted it vaginally to block sperm. The theory was to create a physical barrier. The result? Probably irritation, infection, and zero effectiveness.
Blacksmith Water – Ancient Greece’s DIY Birth Control
Women in ancient Greece drank the water used to cool metal tools in blacksmith shops. Why? It contained lead, and they believed it would stop pregnancy. It might have—but through toxicity and organ damage, not exactly birth control science.
Pig Intestine Condoms – Medieval Romance at Its Peak
Long before latex, people used sheaths made from pig and sheep intestines to prevent pregnancy. These were cleaned and reused, sometimes tied with decorative ribbon. Technically functional, but definitely not FDA-approved.
Lemon Juice as a Spermicide
Sponges soaked in lemon juice were used as makeshift contraceptives. The citric acid was thought to kill sperm. While creative, this method likely caused more discomfort than protection.
Weasel Testicles as a Thigh Accessory
Yes, really. In medieval Europe, women believed that tying dried weasel testicles to their thighs would keep them from getting pregnant. Spoiler: It didn’t.
Mercury & Lead Cocktails – Ancient China’s Lethal Strategy
Some ancient Chinese methods involved drinking mercury or lead mixtures to prevent pregnancy. While these substances can disrupt reproductive function, they also cause poisoning, organ failure, and death.
Fast-Forward to the 20th Century: The Game Changed
As science advanced, so did birth control.
The Birth Control Pill
Introduced in the 1960s, the pill revolutionized contraception. For the first time, women had a discreet, reliable way to prevent pregnancy. It was controversial, but it gave many a new level of freedom.
IUDs
The intrauterine device gave women long-term control. Early versions like the Ōta ring led to the modern, safe, highly effective IUDs available today.
Modern Condoms & Barrier Methods
Latex condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps offered non-hormonal options that were safer, more effective, and also reduced the risk of STIs.
Why This History Matters
Looking back, it’s clear that people have always wanted control over their reproductive lives. While some of the historical methods seem absurd now, they reflect a deep human desire for agency and autonomy.
Today, we have more choices than ever—safe, reliable, and backed by science. But understanding the strange and sometimes dangerous efforts of the past gives us a greater appreciation for how far we’ve come.
The Bottom Line
Here’s a quick recap of some of the strangest methods in history:
- Crocodile poop pessaries
- Lemon juice-soaked sponges
- Pig intestine condoms
- Blacksmith forge water
- Mercury and lead drinks
- Weasel testicle amulets
Humans have tried a lot of weird, risky things to prevent pregnancy. Thankfully, we now have safe, medically approved options. So next time you reach for your birth control, take a moment to thank science—and also be grateful you’re not reaching for a jar of crocodile dung.
