Ever wondered how people managed, you know, before modern medicine gave us all the sophisticated options for family planning? I mean, beyond the obvious. Well, buckle up, because I stumbled upon a historical gem that’s equal parts fascinating and utterly bizarre. Turns out, the ancient Greeks had a rather… unique approach to pregnancy prevention, and it involved a whole lot of ‘Achoo!’
Yep, you read that right. We’re talking about sneezing. Specifically, sneezing after sex. Talk about a post-coital sniffle!
The Wisdom of Soranus of Ephesus (or lack thereof, in this case)
Our story takes us back to the 2nd century CE, to a rather distinguished Greek physician named Soranus of Ephesus. Now, Soranus was a pretty big deal in his time, known for his work in gynecology and obstetrics. But even the best minds can have a few… quirky ideas. His advice for women seeking to avoid pregnancy? Hold your breath during sex, and then – crucially – sneeze afterwards to expel the semen. Seriously, he declared it!
Can you imagine? The mood, the moment, and then… ACHOO! followed by a hopeful, perhaps slightly strained, sigh of relief. It sounds like something out of a sketch comedy show, doesn’t it? “Darling, did you remember to hold your breath and then really let one rip?”
Why the Sneeze, Though?
So, what was the logic behind this nasal-powered birth control? Well, in an era before we understood, you know, how babies are actually made (beyond the obvious, physical act), people relied on observation, tradition, and often, sheer guesswork. The idea was likely that a forceful expulsion, like a sneeze, could literally push out any unwanted ‘material.’ It’s a bit like trying to get water out of your ear by shaking your head vigorously, but with slightly higher stakes.
This wasn’t an isolated incident of strange remedies either. Ancient texts are full of wild ideas for everything from curing headaches to warding off evil spirits. From using crocodile dung as a pessary (yes, really, in ancient Egypt) to drinking concoctions made from various herbs and animal parts, people were incredibly inventive in their efforts to control their bodies and their destinies.
A Humorous Look Back, and a Nod to Progress
It makes you appreciate how far medical science has come, doesn’t it? From hoping a well-timed sneeze would do the trick to the array of safe, effective, and scientifically-backed options available today, it’s a massive leap. While the sneezing method probably had a success rate hovering somewhere around ‘pure luck,’ it highlights humanity’s enduring quest to understand and influence reproduction.
Next time you feel a sneeze coming on, just be grateful it’s probably just allergies, and not your ancient Greek physician’s primary method of birth control. Bless you, indeed!