First Evidence for Applicability of Birth Control Methods in Iran: A Journey from Past to Modernity

Iran has used contraceptives in one form or another for thousands of years throughout its history. Various birth control methods were among the major topics explored in Persian medicine (PM). This article examines the sources cited in the aforementioned manuscripts and showcases Iranian sages’ knowledge of contraception. The findings indicate that PM medical books contain a variety of birth control methods. The scholars identified up to eight methods they believed to be effective in preventing conception, including behavioral methods, withdrawal, oral medications, and contraceptive devices such as condom-like coverings, vaginal remedies, exterior oils, and fumigations. It is clear that PM scholars knew about all the alleged contraceptives in use. They knew about coitus interruptus and coitus reservatus, used a wide variety of suppositories or pessaries, and believed in some exercises of dubious validity, such as jumping backward, sneezing, or anointing the penis with various salves and oils.