How did women avoid pregnancy before the pill?

[ericcartman]

How come most families weren't the size of football teams back then? I mean bar any fertility issues or couples stopping having sex what else was there? I know condoms and abortions have been around for ages in one form or another but I doubt either was that common till the 20th century, especially when talking about married couples.

What a hugely interesting thread.
I would imagine that in the early to mid 20th century the two world wars must have played a huge part. The fact that twice almost a whole generation of young men died. And even those who survived were away for months or years at a time. And actually throughout history men went away to war, or in times of peace to look for work; so that may have had the natural impact of limiting family size?

It's sad to think there's women who think that it's common for men to consider their wive's only worth is providing a tight space to pump their dicks into. It isn't thankfully.

It's sad to think there's women who think that it's common for men to consider their wive's only worth is providing a tight space to pump their dicks into. It isn't thankfully
How do you know that though? Surely you base your opinions on your own experiences? I also never said that was a woman's only worth, raising a man's children is another form of labour. So is housework.
It is the basis for radical feminism, and the reason why Rad Fems reject marriage.
Just because a few 'my husband isn't like that' posters come along, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

And actually, if you look on the relationships board, there are many posters who talk about bad husbands and partners, using the analogy that they see the woman as a 'wank sock'. They aren't my words, they are used loads. So not sure why my suggestions are so offensive, they do not use that language.

What are you on about? From your post:

Anal sex is sometging men commonly push for once their wifes vagina is looser after giving birth

It's the 'commonly push for' that is the sad part. Pushing (use of language that suggests there's resistance) anal, because the vagina isn't tight enough, and seeking a tighter vagina else where doesn't exactly give an idea of holding someone in high esteem. It does give the impression that a woman isn't that much use once her vagina isn't tight enough.

I meant push for in the figurative rather than the literal sense.
Sorry if that's not clear.
Look at the relationships board at the sheer number of women whose husbands have affairs from pregnancy and when their babies are small. Developing countries (where women are financially dependent on a man and where misogyny is apparent in all areas of life) actively encourage women to have C Sections so their genitals are intact.

Many men focus on sex. Many, if not most, women do not enjoy anal sex. Many men do not hold their wives in high esteem.

I am a woman. I actively advocate rights for all women, and have done so professionally. However, men as a gender/sex do not do so. Some individual husbands are great-good for them and I encourage that. But many, many are not. Women shouldn't be pushed to have anal, oral, or be cheated on because of the physical changes which occur after parity or with age. But they are, time and time and time again.

It has happened to me and it has happened to my friends.

So please don't report my views as 'describing women disgustingly' or whatever. I am one. I am one who has seen the true damage marriage can do and so am critical of the romanticism and naivety of women.

Doesn't warrant a report does it?

Anal sex is sometging men commonly push for once their wifes vagina is looser after giving birth

Maybe you could also say 'Many men are inadequately endowed which leads to many women instigating divorce particularly in later years, when, despite use of enhancing drugs. men's erection size is reduced or not as long lasting'. Many women I know have complained of this.

Quite alma.
But I am taking a feminist perspective. Also, many more women stay in sexless marriages than men. Their focus is stability for their kids.

*@sanssherif

Anal sex is sometging men commonly push for once their wifes vagina is looser after giving birth

Leaving aside the fact that this is off-topic, where's your evidence?

By which I do not mean anecdote.

Honestly, I'm quite old, and I've just never heard of that as "a thing".

I do think that porn is pushing anal more and more as a thing to be expected.

But I've never known of the "after kids he'll want to push it up your arse" tendency.

Also, many more women stay in sexless marriages than men
Well each marriage is a couple so as many men are in these marriages as there are women.

But I've never known of the "after kids he'll want to push it up your arse" tendency
I agree

Look at the relationships board at the sheer number of women whose husbands have affairs from pregnancy and when their babies are small.

You're rather ignoring that it's unhappy people who post. It's not proportional.

I like to think I've few illusions about males, although I haven't first hand seen ill disciplined soldiers in wartime in a civilian city - thank god - but your view is very warped and unfair. When it comes to saying 'Anal sex is sometging men commonly push for once their wifes vagina is looser after giving birth it's just plain silly.

This!