What Are Old-School Methods of Birth Control?

In the modern world, birth control is often associated with high-tech options like hormonal pills, IUDs, implants, or condoms. But humans have been trying to prevent pregnancy for thousands of years, long before pharmaceutical labs, latex, or gynecology departments. Across time and cultures, people developed “Old-School Methods of Birth Control, relying on natural observation, herbal remedies, physical barriers, and even mystical beliefs.

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While some of these historical methods were based on genuine knowledge of human reproduction, others were, frankly, ineffective or dangerous. Yet, they reflect human ingenuity and the universal desire for reproductive control.

This article explores the fascinating world of traditional, old-school birth control, what people used before modern medicine, how effective these methods were, and what relevance (if any) they still have today.

Why Look at Historical Birth Control?

Before diving into the actual methods, it’s worth asking: Why should we even care about old-school contraception today?

• Understanding history helps us appreciate the development of modern reproductive rights and medicine.
• Some natural methods still have relevance and are used today, especially in holistic or low-resource settings.
• Many people are seeking hormone-free or non-invasive alternatives.
• Learning from the past shows how access to effective contraception has long been tied to issues of power, gender, and health.

1. Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus)

What Is It?

One of the oldest known methods of contraception, withdrawal involves removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.

Historical Context

Mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 38), this method has been used for millennia across various cultures.

Effectiveness

• Typical use failure rate: ~20% per year
• Perfect use failure rate: ~4%
• It’s more effective than doing nothing, but still risky, especially due to pre-ejaculate fluid containing sperm.

Still Used Today?

Yes, particularly among couples who want to avoid hormones or have limited access to other options. But it requires great self-control and timing.

2. Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs)

What Are They?

These are natural methods where a woman tracks her fertility signals, such as body temperature, cervical mucus, or menstrual calendar, to avoid sex during fertile days.

Historical Roots

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians observed menstrual cycles. The Rhythm Method became popular in the early 20th century after the discovery of ovulation timing.

Effectiveness

• Typical use failure rate: 12–24%
• Perfect use: Up to 95% effective, depending on the method
• Requires careful daily monitoring and abstinence during fertile windows

Modern Revival

Today’s versions include Natural Cycles, Daysy, and apps that help women track ovulation more precisely.

3. Herbal Contraceptives

What Are They?

Plants and natural substances are believed to have contraceptive or abortifacient properties.

Examples

• Queen Anne’s Lace (wild carrot) – Used in ancient Greece and by early American herbalists.
• Pennyroyal – Used by ancient Romans, but toxic in large doses.
• Silphium – A now-extinct North African plant so prized for birth control it was printed on coins.
• Neem – Used in India as a spermicide or injectable contraceptive.

Effectiveness

Highly variable and largely unverified by modern science. Some herbs had actual contraceptive or abortive effects, but many were ineffective or dangerous.

Caution

While herbs sound “natural,” they can be toxic or cause unintended side effects. Always consult with a qualified herbalist or doctor before using herbal contraception.

You may also like: Contraception for New Mums

4. Barrier Methods – Old World Edition

Early Condoms

• Ancient Egypt: Linen sheaths were possibly used for disease prevention and contraception.
• Ancient China and Japan: Condoms were made from oiled silk paper or animal intestines.
• Europe (1500s): Casanova used linen condoms soaked in chemicals.

Vaginal Barriers

• Crocodile dung: Mixed with honey and placed in the vagina by Egyptian women.
• Lemons or sponges: Used as cervical caps; lemons were believed to have spermicidal properties.
• Beeswax or ghee-coated cloths: Used in India and the Middle East.

Effectiveness

• Early condoms provided limited protection and were often reused (!)
• Vaginal barriers varied wildly in effectiveness and hygiene

Modern Counterparts

Modern diaphragms and cervical caps are rooted in these ideas. Today’s condoms are safer, more effective, and hygienically produced.

5. Breastfeeding (Lactational Amenorrhea Method – LAM)

What Is It?

Exclusive breastfeeding can suppress ovulation in the months following childbirth.

Historical Use

In many traditional societies, extended breastfeeding naturally spaced children.

How It Works

• Effective only within 6 months postpartum
• Baby must be exclusively breastfed, day and night, on demand
• Mother must not have resumed menstruation

Effectiveness

• Up to 98% effective when used correctly
• Inexpensive and hormone-free

Limitations

Time-sensitive and not reliable once solids are introduced or periods return.

6. Postcoital Douching

What Is It?

Washing out the vagina after sex using water, vinegar, lemon juice, or other solutions.

Historical Popularity

Widely used in ancient and medieval societies, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

Scientific Basis?

• Sperm can reach the cervix within seconds to minutes after ejaculation.
• Douching after intercourse is not effective as a contraceptive.

Risks

• Can lead to vaginal irritation, infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• May increase risk of pregnancy by altering vaginal flora.

7. Abstinence and Celibacy

What Is It?

Simply not engaging in vaginal intercourse.

Historical Use

• Often promoted for religious or moral reasons
• Practised during certain times of the month or life stages (e.g., postpartum, menstruation)

Effectiveness

• 100% effective when adhered to
• It can be difficult to sustain long-term, especially in committed relationships

Modern Use

Still promoted in some educational programs and religious communities. Often part of fertility awareness when abstaining during fertile days.

8. Abortion as Birth Control

Historical Context

In societies without reliable contraception, abortion was often used as a fallback option. Methods included:

• Herbal abortifacients
• Physical trauma or insertion of objects
• Extreme fasting or exercise

Risks

• Extremely dangerous and often fatal
• Lack of medical oversight, leading to infection, hemorrhage, or infertility

Legal and Ethical Shifts

The availability of safe abortion is a modern development in many parts of the world, though access remains contested globally.

You may also like: A Guide to Permanent Contraception

9. Magical or Superstitious Methods

Throughout history, birth control wasn’t just a matter of biology it was also surrounded by mysticism, religion, and folklore.

Examples

• Amulets, spells, or charms worn by women
• Consuming certain foods believed to prevent pregnancy (e.g., papaya, dried beaver testicles in medieval Europe)
• Ancient Greek women wore weasel testicles on their thighs as a contraceptive charm

Effectiveness

These had no scientific basis and were purely psychological or cultural in function. However, belief in their power may have influenced behaviour and sexual activity.

10. Timing Intercourse (The Moon and Other Beliefs)

Many cultures tried to align sex with moon phases, menstrual cycles, or astrology.

• Ancient Egyptians and Greeks noted lunar cycles as related to menstruation
• Some Indigenous American tribes believed conception was more likely at certain moon phases

While the moon method is not biologically sound, it laid the groundwork for understanding cyclic fertility.

Why Old-School Methods Still Matter

While we now have access to far more effective and safer contraception, many of the foundational ideas behind old-school methods remain relevant:

• Cycle tracking is now enhanced with technology.
• The idea of natural spacing through breastfeeding is still supported by the WHO.
• Herbal medicine continues to inform some alternative health approaches.
• The search for hormone-free options has led people back to natural methods.

Understanding these methods also underscores how critical access to safe, effective contraception is for public health, autonomy, and equality.

Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Past

Looking back on old-school birth control methods isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about recognising the enduring human effort to control reproduction. From lemon halves and herbal teas to ancient linen condoms, people have always sought ways to space or prevent pregnancy.

While some of these methods were effective, many were not. And in the absence of safe, informed choices, women often bore the physical and social consequences. The history of contraception is deeply tied to power, gender roles, science, and survival.

So next time you reach for your birth control pill, fertility tracking app, or barrier method, remember: it took thousands of years and plenty of creativity to get here.