What do you think of when you think of birth control? Is it condoms, IUDs, the pill? What about vasectomies?

From monkey testicles to possible cancer treatments to ties of honour, over the past 150 years ‘the snip’ has had a few variations and uses … not all of them are scientifically sound. But what is it? And how did it come about?

Kate Lister is joined on Betwixt the Sheets by Georgia Grainger to discuss the vasectomy’s place as a contraceptive, as well as its relationship with eugenics and masculinity.

WARNING this episode includes mentions of mental illness, eugenics and themes of an adult nature

Produced by Charlotte Long and Sophie Gee. Mixed by Pete Dennis.

If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download the History Hit app please go to the Android or Apple store.