Old School Contraception At Its Finest: Weasel Testicles, Thimble Barriers And Liquid Lead

Refat Mamutov via Getty Images

Contraception: it may seem like a pain but think yourself lucky - back in the olden days, baby-prevention techniques were far more terrifying.

If you think that taking your pill everyday is a stressful affair then just imagine how women in the 1800s felt having to shove a thimble up there prior to lovemaking.

Fat lot of good that's going to do to prevent potential sperm invasions. And what happens if it gets lost?

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Then there's the good old weasel testicle garter, which is extremely useless and not to mention totally unsexy. Man deterrent? Yes. Sperm deterrent? Not so much.

These contraceptive methods, compiled for Engender Health's latest WTFP?! initiative, will no doubt freak you (and your vagina) out. But one thing's for sure - you'll never look disapprovingly at that box of Durex ever again.

The Evolution Of Contraceptives

Crocodile Dung And Honey(01 of08)

In ancient Egypt (we're talking 3051BC) this pleasant concoction was used as spermicide. We bet it smelled delightful... (credit:JRL via Getty Images)

Weasel Testicles(02 of08)

This garter made of weasel balls might have been all the rage in Europe between 500-100 AD, however we're very glad it's off the cards now. (credit:Engender Health)

Onion Juice(03 of08)

A little more sensible (but still way off the mark) the women of France used to drink onion juice as an oral contraceptive in the 1600s. Probably not ideal for warding off sperm, although onion breath does make for an excellent man repellent. (credit:Datacraft Co Ltd via Getty Images)

Lead Juice(04 of08)

Meanwhile the Ancient Greeks (800-600 AD) were all for a bit of Blacksmith water with a dollop of lead. We'd choose pregnancy over poison any day of the week. (credit:Engender Health)

Ground Beaver Balls And Moonshine(05 of08)

Yup, beaver testicles (poor little fellas) ground into powder and mixed with a splash of moonshine = the ultimate contraceptive cocktail. Canada in 1534, ladies and gents. (credit:kwiktor via Getty Images)

If In Doubt, Thimble Up(06 of08)

Europe in the 1800s was an intuitive place. We wonder how many got lost up there... (credit:Engender Health)

Pig Intestine Condoms(07 of08)

For several hundred years, men would protect their 'pork swords' with a little sheath made from pig intestines - now we know it as a condom. Thank heavens for latex. (credit:Engender Health)

Coke vs Sperm(08 of08)

The 1960s were home to strange thoughts, including the notion that Coca Cola could blast out any unwanted sperm if you washed downstairs with it. Fizzy... (credit:Engender Health)

[H/T Jezebel]

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