In Moldova, some women apply vinegar or lemon slices to their vagina after sex in an attempt to prevent pregnancy. They believe the acidity will kill sperm. It doesn’t – but it can cause infection. Ludmila Bologan, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, says she was shocked to discover that women are still doing this. She spoke to one woman in her 40s from a rural area. ‘[She] is convinced that this is a good contraceptive method, because it is natural and cost-effective,’ she says. About 42% of women in Moldova use a modern form of contraception