Contraceptive Did You Know? No 1

Weird and wonderful preparations have been used across the centuries in an attempt to prevent pregnancy. Surprisingly, modern research has found some that had a genuine scientific basis but others were no better than old wives tales. An even larger proportion were downright dangerous.

For example, early cocoa butter pessaries had boric acid and tannic acid as essential ingredients.

Boric acid is currently used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant and to control the fission rate of uranium in nuclear power plants. Pretty powerful stuff.

Tannic acid is similarly a weak acid once used as a treatment for strychnine poisoning. Today it's used in wood stains and gives tea its distinctive taste and colour. Soaking one's feet in tannic acid (or strong tea) can help prevent blisters.

Still want to try cocoa butter pessaries?

To find out more, buy Casanova's Condoms - the lighter side of contraception by Laura Essendine. http://www.lulu.com/content/3340705

Please note: this post is for amusement only and should not be construed as contraceptive advice. Please see a registered health professional for this

Casanova's Condoms by Laura Essendine NEW!

Whilst you wait for the novels to put in an appearance, I'm uploading a selection of short articles and e-books to LULU.


The first, Casanova's Condoms, is a light-hearted romp through the history of contraception from powdered crocodile dung to the invention of the condom. Find out what the Ancient Greeks kept in their bedside drawers. What did a Roman condom look like? How did the Egyptians stop themselves becoming mummies?

In this less than serious look at the history of birth control you'll find women crouching over pots of steaming onions, wooden diaphrams and the application of camel spit to unmentionable places. After reading this, you'll be soooo grateful for the invention of polyurethane.


Did you know that the most famous gynaecologist in history recommended jumping backwards to prevent conception. Or that Marie Stopes wrote her famous book, Married Love, whilst still a virgin? Or that Casanova called his condom his English Riding Coat?


Just some of the fascinating facts about contraception to be found in Casanova's Condoms. Click the link to order today. http://www.lulu.com/content/3340705


WARNING - this book contains explicit, adult content and may not be suitable for all ages.