Within Egyptian society, the family constitutes the true basic social unit, and its importance is confirmed by the countless representations of couples accompanied by their offspring; the most famous being that of Pharaoh Akhenaton, his wife Nefertiti, and their daughters. The primary role of women was that of wife and mother. However, medical papyri prove that contraception was practiced in ancient Egypt.
Reasons for Contraception
Certain reasons led a small minority of women to resort to contraceptive methods. Thus, prostitutes were the most assiduous users of this type of medicine, as pregnancy could hinder their professional activity. Similarly, for unmarried girls, it could be a subject of gossip, especially if they did not wish to marry the father of the child.
More medical reasons could also come into play, as childbirth always represented a significant danger for the most fragile women and those whose constitution (too narrow pelvis) or heredity suggested complications that could be fatal. It also seems that contraceptive practices were recommended in cases of psychiatric problems.
Medicine
Medical papyri dealing with contraceptive methods testify not only to effective empirical observation but also to real pharmacological knowledge. The remedies proposed combine products of plant, mineral, or animal origin, prescribed either orally or more generally, for local application. Among the prescribed ingredients, some have real contraceptive properties, such as dates, which have a recognized spermicidal effect, as do acacia gum, honey, or natron.
Examples of Contraceptive Preparation
In the Kahun Papyrus, the following preparation is found:
“Finely ground acacia thorns, mixed with dates and honey and spread on a fiber tampon inserted deeply into the vagina.”
Biological research has shown that acacia thorns contain a kind of latex (gum arabic) that becomes enriched in lactic acid as the fermentation process progresses. This acid is part of the composition of some modern spermicides.
The Ebers Papyrus, in prescription 783, prescribes:
“Beginning of preparations to be prepared for women.
Make a woman not be pregnant for one, two, or three years.
Extract of acacia (unripe acacia fruit or part of the acacia), carob, dates.
This will be finely ground in a vase of honey.
A vaginal tampon will be soaked in it and applied in her vagina.”