If you were to guess, what do you think ancient humans used as
contraceptives? It's definitely hard to list even a couple of ideas given how far we've come since the start of the 20th century.
According to historians, the first-known contraceptive was crocodile
dung, used in Egypt in 2000 BC. Dried dung was inserted into the vagina to form an impenetrable barrier. Other
pessaries used back in the day included tree sap, lemon halves, cotton, wool, sea sponges, and elephant dung.
Later on, however, condoms made of animal bladders or intestines were also reportedly used. Luckily, in 1844, Charles Goodyear obtained the first patent for a rubber condom.
