Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient Egypt mirrored by modern medicine.
The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.
Haimov-Kochman
Ronit
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, P.O. Box 24035, Jerusalem, Israel. rkochman@itsa.ucsf.edu
Sciaky-Tamir
Yael
Y
Hurwitz
Arye
A
D003267:Contraception / Q000266:history; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000266:history; D000076144:Egypt, Ancient; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006176:Gynecology / Q000266:history*; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008374:Manuscripts, Medical as Topic; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000266:history*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests / Q000379:methods; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy