Old-fashioned hygiene habits that are anything but clean

Women Used Disinfectant for Birth Control

In the early 20th century, when contraceptives were banned in the United States, women resorted to drastic and dangerous alternatives. One of the most shocking was the use of Lysol – yes, the household disinfectant – for feminine hygiene and contraception.

Lysol was advertised as a miracle cure but was anything but safe. The harsh chemicals led to burns and infections – a cautionary tale of how dangerous advertising promises can be.