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- January 7, 2009
How did concubines or mistresses not get pregnant in ancient times?
Ashley N asked:
I have been reading a few books recently that speak of concubines or mistresses to emperors and rulers, and I was wondering how the woman did not get pregnant? I understand that they obviously did sometimes, and the rulers could have many children from many of his mistresses or other wives, but they did not always get pregnant, even though they were contuniously sexually active with the rulers. So I’m asking was it really just luck that some didn’t get pregnant?
And just to add I’m already aware that this sounds like a pretty stupid question to ask. I’ve just been wondering for awhile now.
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I have been reading a few books recently that speak of concubines or mistresses to emperors and rulers, and I was wondering how the woman did not get pregnant? I understand that they obviously did sometimes, and the rulers could have many children from many of his mistresses or other wives, but they did not always get pregnant, even though they were contuniously sexually active with the rulers. So I’m asking was it really just luck that some didn’t get pregnant?
And just to add I’m already aware that this sounds like a pretty stupid question to ask. I’ve just been wondering for awhile now.
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6 Responses to “How did concubines or mistresses not get pregnant in ancient times?”
Lots of contraceptive methods, of various degrees of effectiveness.
By CanProf on Jan 9, 2009
Same way they do now…..
By Mark H on Jan 12, 2009
1st of all most were not continuously, sexually active. Most rulers and emperors had SEVERAL wives and concubines. (Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines) So the ruler somtimes didn’t get around to them for a while. Plus, if a woman did not please the ruler often times he wouldn’t go back to her at all. While the women waited, no other man could sleep w/ them. They were soley the rulers. Also, for those who were “active”, many times they would chart themselves (a type of birth control) and if the ruler didn’t want them getting pregnant he would…be careful. There were SOME forms of birth control, but the women didn’t really worry too much about it. They were slaves to the emperor and therefore they had no will.
By freedomfighter on Jan 13, 2009
Many mistresses of kings planned to get pregnant, as having a royal bastard was a good thing. The king gave the kids (and mistress) titles, money, houses, etc.
As for concubines, they were more slaves than anything else, but having a child by the emperor would put them at the top of the pecking order in the harem.
By Chal on Jan 14, 2009
Stewing in hot baths reduces a man’s sperm count, so Roman emperors were not distinguished for numbers of children from wives or mistresses.
By Jim L on Jan 15, 2009
the married man probably did not have sex with the mistress
By Kat on Jan 16, 2009