Contraception - of potions, pills and social change

Abstract

The use of contraceptive methods is not a new phenomenon. Practices like coitus interruptus, vaginal pessaries made from crocodile dung and plant extracts and a wide variety of potions, spells and balms have been well documented in the history of virtually every ancient culture. Norman Himes (N Engl J Med 1934;210.11;576-81) postulated 'the persistence of such folk practices for thousands of years is convincing proof of the thesis that women in all cultures in all ages have desired to control their fertility to have a reasonable number of children at convenient times and under the conditions desired'. Show more