Fertility Rituals Then & Now: From WTF Remedies to Modern IVF Hope

Hope, Weirdness, and a Little Bit of St (Literally)

Humans have been trying to “hack” fertility for thousands of years—and spoiler alert—it hasn’t always been pretty. Long before ultrasounds and embryo grading, desperate couples turned to charms, tonics, dances, and, yes, crocodile dung (Ancient Egypt really said, “Put that where??”).

It’s easy to laugh now, but the truth is: whether it’s ancient rituals or modern IVF lucky socks, we’re all reaching for the same thing—a little control in a process that feels completely out of our hands.

History’s WTF Fertility Rituals & Remedies

• Ancient Egypt: Crocodile dung pessaries (yep, inserted vaginally). Believed to “block” pregnancy loss. Spoiler: it blocked nothing but dignity.

• Ancient Greece & Rome: Amulets made of animal parts, especially testicles, worn for “fertility power.” (Talk about ballsy.)

• Medieval Europe: Women drank bizarre herbal brews or tied frog bones around their waists for conception. Because… science?

• 1700s Folk Remedies: Weird diets, poultices, and animal fat rubs claimed to “balance the womb.” (Spoiler: it just made you greasy.)

  
  

Cultural Rituals Around the World

Not all fertility rituals were gross—some were beautiful:

• Fertility dances in Africa and South America celebrated abundance and renewal.

• Sacred springs and shrines in Europe where women prayed and bathed for blessings.

• Foods as symbols—from pomegranates (fertility + abundance) to sticky rice cakes (for “sticking” pregnancies).

• Offerings and prayers in temples across Asia, asking gods and ancestors to bless conception.

  
  

Every culture had its rituals. Different methods, same hope.

IVF’s Modern Rituals

And let’s be real—we’re not so different today. IVF has its own rituals, and if you’ve been through it, you know:

• Lucky socks on transfer day. Bonus points if they say “Everything’s Crossed Except My Legs.”

• Pineapple core for implantation. Science is… fuzzy. Hope is strong.

• No hot tubs or wine. (Okay, this one actually is science. Still feels ritualistic.)

• Embryo pics taped to the fridge. Like a school photo, but for a cell cluster.

• Superstitious timing. Some of us wear the same shirt to every appointment. Some eat the same snack before retrieval.

  
  

We may roll our eyes, but these rituals carry weight. They give us something to hold when everything else feels wildly out of control.

Science, Mystery, and the IVF Unknown

For all the science behind IVF—time-lapse embryo imaging, PGT testing, cryopreservation—there’s still so much we don’t fully understand. A perfectly graded embryo can test abnormal. A “lower quality” one can still turn into a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes everything looks ideal on paper and still… doesn’t work.

That gap between what we know and what we can’t explain yet is both frustrating and oddly comforting. Because it reminds us: it’s not just you, it’s not just your body—it’s the limits of science itself.

Why Rituals Still Matter

Whether it’s frog bones, fertility dances, or pineapple core, rituals have always been humanity’s way of finding hope in the chaos. They aren’t about logic—they’re about comfort, connection, and creating meaning when the stakes feel impossibly high.

So if you’re doing IVF and holding tight to your lucky socks or weird traditions—don’t feel silly. You’re part of a long, global history of people who’ve clung to hope by any means possible.

The Future of Fertility Rituals

As we move forward, what will the future hold for fertility rituals? Will new practices emerge? Will science and tradition blend in unexpected ways? The possibilities are endless.

Imagine a world where virtual reality plays a role in fertility rituals. Couples could participate in guided meditations or rituals from different cultures, all from the comfort of their homes. This could create a sense of community and connection, even in isolation.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

And maybe one day, future generations will laugh at us for believing in pineapple smoothies the way we laugh at frog bones. But until then—pass the fruit, grab your charms, and let’s keep going.

Any weird, WTF rituals you've tried or want to share??? Please comment below!!!