Birth control existed well before the modern era. In ancient Egypt, they had a method for preventing unwanted pregnancy, though it certainly doesn’t resemble anything we use today. In fact, it’s so unpleasant, it’ll make you appreciate the hassle of whatever method you use today.
Back in ancient Egypt, women would use crocodile dung in order to prevent pregnancy. They would form the dung into pessaries or little tablets which they would then insert it into their lady parts. Not really something that would put one’s partner in a romantic mood.