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Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin

Heating Up History

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Ye Olde Baby Blocker

People in history – they liked sex. Imagine that. However, sex leads to kids and not everyone wants kids, or mass quantities of them at least. As controversial as birth control is today, the concept has been around since before the Bible.

Speaking of the Bible, there are multiple references to the use of coitus interruptus as a means of contraception. But that’s not really why you’re reading my blog post. You want to know about the nasty, crazy stuff. (Can’t say I blame you…) I will not disappoint. J

In ancient Egypt, they had several interesting methods to keep from becoming pregnant. A gummy substance was applied to the cervix to prevent sperm from getting in. One of the ingredients for this substance…crocodile dung. I can’t but wonder what that would do to a woman’s delicate pH balance downstairs. Yikes.

But women weren’t alone in subjecting their naughty bits to bad stuff. Men in Greece were reported to rub juniper berries on their business before getting down to it. I can’t help but wonder how effective that really was. Plants were relied on a lot through history to prevent pregnancy. There was a specific plant, called Silphium that was found to be kind of like the birth control pill for keeping someone from getting pregnant. Unfortunately, in 1BC it became so popular it was harvested to extinction.

There are a couple of modern inventions we use today that have roots going way back in history. First of all the diaphragm. Back in the day, they would cut a lemon in half and clean out the pulp. Not only did the shape of the halved fruit prevent entry into the cervix, the acid killed the sperm.

The sponge was a popular way of contraception. Many different substances were used, usually based off of where the person lived and what was easily accessible. Everything could be used from cotton to sponges and even wool. To think I can’t even wear a wool sweater for the way it irritated my skin…  *wince*

Finally, the all popular condoms. They’ve actually been around since ancient Egyptian times when men used animal intestines as condoms. Kinda makes you wonder who came up with THAT idea first. Later in the 16th century, they came out with linen condoms. It was really mainly to prevent the spread of disease more than prevent pregnancy, though I can’t imagine a thin scrap of fabric doing much of either. Casanova was reported to use this kind of condom, tied at the base with a pretty bow. How dainty.

Rubber condoms were first introduced in the late 1800’s and were not the disposable kind we’re used to today. No, these came in a specially designed box where they could be washed after use and tucked away for another ‘special occasion’. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. 😉

They definitely had some pretty interesting ways to keep from getting pregnant so many centuries ago. And while I shudder at the thought of slathering animal dung where the light of day will never reach, I think it’s a much better alternative to a whole gaggle of kids.

So…would you do it?

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Filed Under: History of Sex, Inventions in History Tagged With: Casanova condom, condoms in history, condoms with ribbons, crocodile dung and contraception, history of contraception

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madelinemmartin

👩🏻‍💻USA Today Bestselling author of #historicalromance, mother of minions, watcher of cat videos, drinker of wine, poster of pics

Ink loves to play peekaboo 😹😻 I love her cut Ink loves to play peekaboo 😹😻 I love her cute little Yoda face when we play like this ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so grateful that Disney has make their parks I’m so grateful that Disney has make their parks so safe! Going there this weekend was such a much-needed break with family time and delicious food! ❤️❤️❤️
Ink stole my lap blanket about an hour ago. I just Ink stole my lap blanket about an hour ago. I just looked under my desk and found this total cuteness! 😻😻😻 
Also, she’s sleeping next to my computer battery backup because it’s warm 😹
𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!

"𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴."

The Earl of Kendal is a self-proclaimed bachelor with no interest in marriage. That is, until a secret is dangled over his head leading him on a wild chase after a runaway lady to marry her and salvage her reputation. Except that the lady in question has no desire to wed either! 

"𝘞𝘖𝘞…𝘞𝘏𝘈𝘛 𝘈 𝘍𝘈𝘕𝘛𝘈𝘚𝘛𝘐𝘊 𝘙𝘌𝘈𝘋!!!!"
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