Throughout the course of history, condoms have been used as a method of birth control and to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Modern day condoms, comprised out of rubber and latex, were only introduced during the 18th and 19th century. Before that condoms were initially made out of linen and animal tissues such as intestines or bladders.
Condoms were so popular that prior to the introduction of the oral contraceptive pill, it was the most common birth control method in the Western World. Due to the relatively low cost of condoms and the fact that they’re easily accessible, they also became essential in family planning programs throughout many countries in the world.
3000 BCE
Mythological figure, King Minos of Crete, was rumored to have been a victim of a curse which resulted in him ejaculating snakes and scorpions. To prevent the death of his sexual partners, a goat’s bladder was used as a protective sheath during intercourse. This is the first documented person to use an early form of what would have been considered a condom for that time.
1000 BCE
Ancient Egyptians and Romans were reported to have used linen sheaths dipped in mercury to protect their penises from infection and disease, sheets were also supposedly dipped in different colours to help distinguish between the different classes.
15th Century
Across Asia, many used glan condoms (condoms that only cover the head of the penis) as their preferred choice for birth control among the upper classes. In Japan, they were made from tortoise shell or animal horn. In China, they were made from lamb intestines or oiled silk paper.
16th Century
Syphilis outbreak spread across Europe, Italian physician Gabriele Falloppio (also credited for giving his name to the Fallopian tubes) described the first medical use of a condom. A linen sheath soaked in chemicals, specifically to prevent syphilis, with a ribbon woven around the base to secure it on.
18th Century
‘Skin condoms’ entered the market, these were often animal bladders or intestines chemically softened by use of sulphur or lye. These were
1800’s
By the mid-1800’s, Charles Goodyear created the first rubber condom in the world, refined from the rubber trees. These early rubber condoms did not tear or stretch as quickly as the prior condoms made from animal products. They were as thick as a bicycle inner tube and were washable, reusable, cheaper and mass produced.
1900’s
The invention of latex, ushered in the beginning of latex condoms. Latex had a reputation of producing stronger and thinner condoms and had an extended shelf life of up to 5 years.
Within 50 years, improvements to the latex condoms were in full swing. They were tighter, thinner, lubricated and included the reservoir tip to help prevent leakage and make space for semen.
Throughout the course of the condom’s history, it’s main purpose was birth control. It wasn’t until the devastating HIV pandemic in the 1980’s that condoms would be critical in preventing the transmission of HIV.
During that same time period, the first latex free condom hit the market, composed of polyurethane. They were the first non-latex condoms that could provide the same protection from HIV and other STI’s, a great alternative for those who have latex allergies!
2000’s
Come the mid-200’s and a second latex free alternative entered the market, condoms made from polyisoprene. Which is actually a synthetic latex, it is almost identical chemically to latex. It excludes certain proteins that some people are allergic too. Almost all non-latex condoms available in Australia are made out of polyisoprene, they can be found mainly in the SKYN range produced and sold by Ansell.
Condoms have come a long way since their humble beginnings, thankfully they’re no longer made out of animal products, are one of the cheapest forms of birth control and are stocked in supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.