Women and Birth Control
Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: General History
Forum Name: Women's History
Forum Discription: Discuss women in history and other historical topics from a feminine perspective !
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13925
Printed Date: 19-Apr-2024 at 23:53
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Women and Birth Control
Posted By: morticia
Subject: Women and Birth Control
Date Posted: 10-Aug-2006 at 23:02
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Before condoms, I.U.D., and other modern methods of contraception, the women of the ancient world had their own ways of limiting and/or preventing pregnancy. For thousands of years, in one form or another, contraceptives have been used throughout human history and even in societies dominated by social, political and religious codes.
The stone age people had no idea where babies came from. Some thought that the spirits of children lived in certain fruits, and that pregnancy was caused by eating the fruit. Others held the sun, rain, wind, moon, or stars responsible for causing pregnancy. Pregnancy was a magical event. Abstinence never occurred to those who believed that reproduction was magic. But, for ancient women, who understood the connection between vaginal intercourse and reproduction, abstinence was very important. In many cultures, after the time of their first menstruation (menarche), women were expected to practice abstinence so that their future husbands could be sure of the paternity of their children. The driving force behind men’s need for virgin brides (and for keeping women outside of public life) has been to assure their paternity. Here are some of the birth control methods used in ancient times: Egyptian women used vaginal suppositories “pessary” , made out of crocodile dung and lubricated with honey or oil as spermicides. In ancient China, women terminated pregnancies by drinking hot mercury (or lead) the day after sex, which, unfortunately, sometimes led to sterility or death. In ancient Persia, the women used sponges soaked in alcohol as primitive contraceptive methods. The idea for the I.U.D., used by the modern woman, was originated by Arabian camel herders who discovered that inserting a stone in a female camel’s genitalia would keep them from getting pregnant. A common contraceptive/abortafacients used in ancient Mediterranean was a plant called, Silphium, exclusively grown in North Africa. Other plants used in classical times were pennyroyal (grows in the wild), artemisia, myrrh and rue. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_control#History_of_birth_control Erica Orloff and JoAnn Baker – co-authors of “Dirty Little Secret”. http://www.epigee.org/guide/ http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/library/historical/artifacts/antiqua/gynecology.cfm ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 13-Aug-2006 at 14:12
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i dont knw wht to response for this topic.. but i have something to share...
for malays... they believe by eating pineapple.. it can avoid from getting pregnant... even for those virgins.. if their period is late.. they'll eat pineapple so.. it will come faster....
i dont knw.. how far the truth is...
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Posted By: Mila
Date Posted: 13-Aug-2006 at 14:32
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In Bosnia we have a birth control device known as the "Father". If a
young woman is seen with a young man, or even if rumors exist that
suggest that has been seen at some time by some one with a young man,
the "Father" activates. Though it is not directly involved in birth
control, the "Father" will generally board up the young woman's bedroom
window, beat the door knob from her bedroom door, and keep her locked
up until such time as it is certain the girl is not already pregnant.
The young lady also has a built-in defense mechanism called the
"Mother" which will, during this time, gradually wear down the
"Father's" initial response. This generally goes on for several months until "Neighbors" or, in modern times, even "The Police" start asking questions. The young woman is expected at all times to keep her "Father's" methods of birth control a family secret. The "Father" can be discarded, though not without some difficulty. For rural Bosnian women, they can escape the "Father" in the "Large Urban Centers". For urban Bosnian women, they can escape the "Father" by eloping. By taking this extraordinary measure, young women can ensure themselves a life without the "Father", in any sense, including the birth control methods it provides. Modern times have seen this method of birth control largely replaced with new technologies and contraceptives, however the "Father" is still common enough that most major cities in the country have special task forces whose job it is to locate such young women and remove them from the "Father". ------------- |
Posted By: Master_Blaster
Date Posted: 13-Aug-2006 at 14:54
OMG! ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
That was HILARIOUSSSSSS! I'm stilll LMFAOOOOOOOO!
Mila, you forgot the other contraceptive methods, i.e. the "ELDER BROTHER", the "UNCLE", and the "OVERPROTECTIVE MALE COUSIN"
 This reminds me of freshman year at college when my friend Narine's sister started dating this guy named Abeed, and as soon as her brothers Mohammed and Sohail found out, they went to Abeed's house, knocked on the door, his mother answers, they politely said, "Salaam" and asked if Abeed could come outside, Abeed's mother yells at him to come meet his "friends", and Mo' and Sohail beat the crap out of him infront of his mother, they then tell her that he has one week to do "nikaa" with their sister.
Poor Abeed.
He was crying at his own wedding. And poor Narine. No guy ever tried talking to her again.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 14-Aug-2006 at 15:05
a tragic story... anyway... in malay.. for a wife if they wanted to avoid unplanned pregnancy... if they sense tht their period is past the due.. they will go for massage... dont ask me wht kind of massage is that. cos my cousin have done that.. she kinda freak out that she might get pregnant after gave birth to a twin... 
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Posted By: Master_Blaster
Date Posted: 14-Aug-2006 at 19:49
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A tragic story? What gives you that impression? |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 02:18
| beaten up... warned by bro in laws to be.. crying on his own wedding day... tht's the impression... maybe for others nothing.. but.. i dont think it's a good thing about warning and beating someone to marry your sis... it wont give any good |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 07:33
How is it possible that it is known what stone age people thought about the causes of pregnancy? I mean, they didn't leave any written sources telling what they thing about it. |
Posted By: annechka
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 10:08
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Although Mila's story of Bosnian birth control seems humourous at first, it is like MasterBlaster's sad and telling.
What is missing is the woman's right to say yes or NO. Remember the woman has the right to say NO as well.
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 10:30
I'll find a source for you, Mixcoatl. Jean Auel (author) has done extensive research on the topic and I believe I read that in one of her books. She wrote "Clan of the Cave Bears", The Mammoth Hunter, and several other books on the matter of the stone age, cavemen, etcetera. ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 10:40
Mila! I, too, was on the floor laughing at your initial response!  I can very well relate to that, being the only female in a brood of nine, and I know perfectly well how the "Father" and "Brothers" contraption works.
------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 12:58
to tell the truth... i dont understand much about wht Mila said on her first reply 
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 13:13
Don't worry, Cahaya. Mila was just being facetious!
As regards the pineapple, there is no one in the world that eats more pineapples than I do.  It's one of my favorite fruits (I grow them in my backyard)that I eat and cook with almost every day, and it certainly did not stop me from having three children!  So, there goes that theory! ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15-Aug-2006 at 15:38
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lol @ morty
i dont understand how western women do it...
In our region.. wht i can see from my sister and sis in law experience.. when they born a child... they will be so cautious about their health and all.. like... must not step on cold floor.. wear socks all the time.. they have to be like that for 44 days... take some traditional remedies and all...
wht about u morty? how u guys deal with after birth?
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 17-Aug-2006 at 14:11
Cahaya, that's "old wives tales" about staying indoors for 44 days, no bare feet on the floor, don't take the baby outdoors for 30 days, no washing your hair for 10 days so you don't catch a cold, etcetera. There is no scientific evidence that doing any of that will prevent you from getting ill.  Most western women, myself included, have their babies in hospital rooms called "birthing rooms" where women are attended by a OB-GYN (obstetrician - some even have midwives)and after the baby is born and, barring any complications, leave the next day. I gave birth to my baby and left the hospital 13 hours later...went home, and attended to my other two children with no problems whatsoever. The first thing I did when I got home was to take my shoes and clothes off, get in the shower and wash my hair. The second thing I did was give my baby a bath and made sure he had all his fingers and toes intact (that's something I think all mothers instinctively do) . A week later, we were all taking baby Max to the local park to get some fresh air and sunshine and enjoy our new baby! It also helps to have a cooperating father around. I'm very lucky that my children's father is very hands on and, aside from breastfeeding, he can handle everything else just as well. ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 18-Aug-2006 at 13:06
| tht's amazing morty!! |
Posted By: Northman
Date Posted: 18-Aug-2006 at 13:58
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My youngest of 2 (a son) was born on a birth clinic affiliated to the local hospital. Normally no doctors there, but nurses and midwifes.
One morning, 10:30am, my wife called her mother in law (my mom...lol) and said she felt a bit funny. They agreed to drive the one mile to the clinic to have it checked. While examining my wife, the water broke.
They called me at 11:30 at work and said if I wanted to be present at the birth, I'd better come now.
I was there at 12:15 and at 12:45, Thomas was born.
We all left the clinic at 15:00pm - one baby richer.
Thats all it takes - why all this fuzz? - its no hazzle at all
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 18-Aug-2006 at 17:09
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Yeah... it's sound simple for the western women when it's about giving birth... but here.. everything from the past still keep in practice.. even not all but most of the routines and rules.. adapted till now...
would like to share the info with u guys.. I manage to find this... It's interesting... I dont think it's still popular by Malaysian women but it has been done by previous generation
Coconut Belly Rubs:
Traditional midwifery care in Malaysia and Indonesia http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/worldbirth/malaysia-indonesia/index.php - http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/worldbirth/malaysia-indonesia/index.php
It start frm the prenatal care, childbirth to postpartum (yeah!! the 44 days thing! now i learn a new word.. lol)
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Posted By: Dawn
Date Posted: 19-Aug-2006 at 09:48
Ahh stories of easy births. When my youngest daughter was born. The day in question I worked an 8 hr shift preparing for a large Christmas party(350 people) and went home and had guests for dinner. After the guests had left the first signs of labour showed up. My thoughts at the time where ahh it's going to be a long night,. You see labor with my other girls lasted 24-36 hours. After about an hour or so I told my husband that perhaps we should consider getting the childern ready to go to his mothers house and think about going. Well while puttering around getting ready my water broke and then things moved very quickly and I told Mark that I thought that we were going to have a change in plans and he had better call the parametics cause this one had no intention of waiting. Well it took 3.5 min for then to arrive and they missed it. Our youngest daughter Nichole was born in her parents bedroom delivered by her father eighteen years ago in November.  Well the paramedics insisted that we go to the hospital since they where there to take us and because the stairs in our house had 2 turns in them they could not bring the gurnny up them I walked down and then was put on it and taken by ambulence (no flashing lights) to the hispital where they made me stay for 24 hrs just to make sure things where ok. (i think it was just so they could charge for something cause they couldn't charge for delivering the baby) about 2 weeks later I was back going to work a couple of days a week while Mark stayed home with the children.. We worked at the same place an the boss didn't care which one of us came to work so in technicialy I was on maternity leave but in reality we shared the duties of his job. ------------- |
Posted By: Northman
Date Posted: 19-Aug-2006 at 17:39
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Cahaya...
Thank you - very interesting article for sure, and its good they dont practice that anymore. I'd rather do the whole thing myself, than expose my wife to that treatment
Dawn...
Sounds like you can "pop Almonds" as well. (expression we use here for easy births).
PS....
How is your husband coping with all those oestrogenes from 4 females in the house?
 ------------- |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 20-Aug-2006 at 23:23
Well, that's not entirely true of all women, Northman. Some women have a very difficult time delivering children and need C-sections, or, worse, have a breech birth or multiple births. Some women have natural births while others need an episiotomy and that can really make the postpartum recovery longer and more uncomfortable. Some women are in labor for many hours while others can "spit" them out. ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 20-Aug-2006 at 23:32
Dawn, that is a fascinating story! I must say that you are one brave woman and you are certainly one to spit them out! . ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 21-Aug-2006 at 15:13
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The most modern and effective way of birth control in the US is the "patch". It's so simple to use, no mess, no fuss. Just peel off the patch and stick to your body (preferably the buttocks area). Voila!
What's the latest in your country? ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Northman
Date Posted: 21-Aug-2006 at 15:33
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Apples...
The girl holding an apple between the knees proves effective for most couples.
Eating an apple is also effective.
Less inventive people stick to the pill and the traditional 3 other ways.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 21-Aug-2006 at 16:17
| Apples? why and how? please elaborate... |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 11:18
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[QUOTE=Northman] Apples...
The girl holding an apple between the knees proves effective for most couples. Eating an apple is also effective. Less inventive people stick to the pill and the traditional 3 other ways [QUOTE] Oh, I don't know about that one, Northman! Things didn't go very well for Eve after she took a bite of that apple!
btw - ever read the side effects of "the pill"? Not that the patch is any safer, but, again, WOMEN are the ones who always have to take the "risk". Why doesn't anyone invent a "pill" for MEN? Why doesn't anyone invent a "patch" for men? Why is it always the women who has to risk the side effects of birth control?  ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 11:21
Cahaya, don't go out and buy dozens of apples! It's not a birth control method! The only thing an apple is good for is to put it under your chin while doing crunches and curls! Now, go figure that one out!
------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 11:35
becuase most men spend an inordinate amout of time and effort attempting to prevent pregancies anyhow.
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 11:39
Oh yeah? Can you please tell me how so? Can you please elaborate on how men "risk" their life in trying to prevent pregnancies? I can't wait to hear the response! 
------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 12:01
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Typically it involves those pineapples we have heard so much about. Or something equally ridiculous. Sad, but them well its a mans world.
Me personally, I try to imagine what the kids will be like. Always works. ------------- |
Posted By: Northman
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 12:27
Now now, dont complicate things dear Morthy - apples are safer than anything.
Your conclusion that they dont work, may be founded in your faulty assumption, that they should be eaten before sex - or even after sex.
The correct, never failing method, is to eat an apple instead of sex.
 That works !
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Posted By: Northman
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 12:42
Oh, I'm sorry - I just realised this isnt the Tavern - my apologies for the silly jokes. 
Why didnt someone stop me?
I had a few more (silly jokes), but that will be for another time and another thread
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 22-Aug-2006 at 13:07
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lol ..
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 25-Aug-2006 at 13:57
I think I'll stay away from APPLES and SERPENTS...just in case!
------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: annechka
Date Posted: 26-Aug-2006 at 10:48
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Birth control is one those interesting topics. There has been a pill for men for some time. It would be interesting to see why men arent willing to take them. I decided to get some links on the net for this. I guess an existing pill for men is just an old husbands tale. But there is research and development in this area.. Curious it hasnt happened before.
here are the links:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3543478/ - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3543478/ http://health.howstuffworks.com/male-bc-pill.htm Getting tubes tied is invasive surgery, where as a vasectomy is not but the it is a much more common surgery than a vasectomy.
But is it possible that men have more of their identity tied up with their reproductive organs than women do?
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Posted By: Master_Blaster
Date Posted: 26-Aug-2006 at 16:13
Well, of course we are annechka jaan!
 The best birth control is strapping on a condom. You're less likely to get an STD, and it saves one's girlfriend/fiance/wife from being subjected to some of the side effects of the dreaded "pill".
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Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 31-Aug-2006 at 16:48
I agree that condoms is the best choice. Other measures are very invasive, and the pill (as well as the patch) have some serious side effects. Abstinence is the only 100% safest method, but, who wants to do that? ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: Reginmund
Date Posted: 31-Aug-2006 at 19:01
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Come on people, don't you know... http://www.foulmouthshirts.com/New-Shirts/Abortion-Is-Fun-T-shirt.htm - http://www.foulmouthshirts.com/New-Shirts/Abortion-Is-Fun-T-shirt.htm http://www.foulmouthshirts.com/New-Shirts/Abortion-Is-Fun-T-shirt.htm -  ------------- |
Posted By: Vivek Sharma
Date Posted: 01-Sep-2006 at 01:04
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Some of this methods contradict some of the religions I belive. Have not been able to understand why some cultures area against birth control
------------- PATTON NAGAR, Brains win over Brawn |
Posted By: Ponce de Leon
Date Posted: 10-Sep-2006 at 15:49
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I wonder how many people in AE who claim to be female are actually girls or women........
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Posted By: Vivek Sharma
Date Posted: 11-Sep-2006 at 05:21
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Why would they want to fake identities in a knowledge forum ?
------------- PATTON NAGAR, Brains win over Brawn |
Posted By: Don Quixote
Date Posted: 26-Mar-2012 at 01:55
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The best female birth control is the vasectomy of their partners.
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Posted By: Rohit-maheshwari
Date Posted: 17-Jan-2018 at 11:24
I really like this story!
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