This is still the case in some cultures. Unfortunately, religious leaders may have a limited view of the earth's condition. The dark side of sex is how it is abused. Rape, date rape, and sexual abuse of children are all too common. This short outline of contraception cannot discuss these topics.
Abstinence is very effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Unless a couple is in a long-term, committed relationship, abstinence is the recommended means of contraception. Even before the era of modern medicine, during the time of the demographic transition in Europe, the total fertility rate was quite low. For instance, in southern Italy, women often had just two or three children. There were no birth control pills, no IUD's in the 19 th century. Probably by using one of the methods that require no equipment.