For centuries, people have been trying to find ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, not all methods of birth control have been effective or even safe. In fact, some of the methods used throughout history have been downright bizarre.

Priestly Celibacy

One of the strangest birth control methods ever used was priestly celibacy. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church required its priests to remain celibate in order to prevent them from having children out of wedlock.

While this may have been effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, it also had some unintended consequences, including the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Crocodile Dung

Believe it or not, some ancient civilizations used crocodile dung as a form of birth control. The idea was that the dung would act as a spermicide, killing off any sperm that came into contact with it.

However, this method was not only ineffective, but also unsanitary and could lead to infections.

Lemons

In the 1800s, women were sometimes advised to insert a lemon into their vagina as a way of preventing pregnancy. The idea was that the acidity of the lemon would kill off any sperm that came into contact with it.

However, this method was not only ineffective, but also potentially harmful, as the acidity of the lemon could cause irritation and infection.

Drinking Mercury

During the Renaissance, people were sometimes advised to drink mercury as a way of preventing pregnancy. The idea was that the mercury would act as a contraceptive, killing off any sperm that came into contact with it.

However, this method was extremely dangerous and could lead to poisoning and even death.

Jumping up and down

Believe it or not, some women were advised to jump up and down after sex as a way of preventing pregnancy. The idea was that the motion would prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.

However, this method was not only ineffective, but also potentially harmful, as it could lead to injury.

Bloodletting

During the Victorian era, some women were advised to have bloodletting as a way of preventing pregnancy. The idea was that the loss of blood would make it more difficult for the body to support a pregnancy.

However, this method was not only ineffective, but also dangerous, as it could lead to anemia and other health problems.

Camel Dung

In some parts of the world, women have been known to use camel dung as a form of birth control. The idea is that the dung will act as a spermicide, killing off any sperm that comes into contact with it.

However, like other methods on this list, this method is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful, as it can lead to infections.

Platinum Pellets

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, some women were given platinum pellets as a form of birth control. The idea was that the pellets would prevent the body from producing eggs.

However, this method was not only ineffective but also dangerous, as it could lead to infections and other health problems.

Uterine Lavage

During the early 1900s, some women were advised to have their uterus washed out as a way of preventing pregnancy. The idea was that the washing would remove any sperm that had made its way into the uterus.

However, this method was not only ineffective but also potentially harmful, as it could lead to infections and other health problems.

Rhythm Method

The rhythm method, also known as natural family planning, is a method of birth control that involves tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle in order to determine when she is most fertile.

While this method can be effective when used correctly, it is also prone to error and requires a great deal of diligence on the part of both partners.

Conclusion

Throughout history, people have tried a wide variety of methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While some of these methods may have been effective in preventing pregnancy, others were dangerous, unsanitary, or simply ineffective.

Today, there are a number of safe and effective methods of birth control available, including condoms, hormonal birth control, and sterilization.