Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Purlackee S

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Objective 

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) became an established branch of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) in 1993. Although this is a relatively new specialty the practise of genito-urinary medicine is not a new concept. Current sexual health practices are rooted in traditions that took place thousands of years ago. This presentation will discuss the techniques employed in Ancient Egypt to provide contraception, methods for pregnancy testing, and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Furthermore, it will evaluate the scientific evidence behind these methods, and draw comparison with current services.

Methods 

Ancient medical papyruses (papers) discovered in the ancient tombs of Egypt, thought to be created around 3000 B.C., relate to the improvement of sexual health, mainly in women. Multiple studies have replicated these techniques, and provide evidence that some of these theories were performed with scientific knowledge. Information has been obtained from a variety of secondary sources including books and journal articles which describe the medical papyri.

Results 

Although Egyptian methods for birth control are not recommended for modern day use, the contraceptive techniques were not dissimilar from the methods used today. Practises include the ingestion of plant extracts which have hormonal influences that mirror the modern day contraceptive pill, and barrier methods similar to the cervical cap. Despite their lack of knowledge of hormones the Egyptians acknowledge the

importance of urine testing in pregnancy, a concept not introduced into modern medicine until 1929 A.D. Their observation of the increase in vascularity of the uterus during pregnancy led to the creation of a second, and rather radical pregnancy test which required the insertion of an onion into the vagina. Unsurprisingly, this test has never been replicated, but the same anatomical changes were later described in 1886, and

became known as ‘Chadwick’s sign.’

Conclusion 

The Egyptians conducted genitourinary medicine based on accurate observations. Their practices had a poor evidence base by the standards of modern medicine, although recent research shows a strong rationale for their techniques. Some of their theories were flawed, and at times rather extreme, but the medical practices documented in the ancient Egyptian papyruses undoubtedly helped to improve reproductive health.

Purlackee S. (2013).  The ancient practice of sexual and reproductive healthcare . BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 120 (Supplement S1), 579-80

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