Condoms are by no means a recent invention. In fact, the use of condoms has been traced back to thousands of years ago. Around 1000 BC, the Ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against diseases!
If we fast forward to the 1500s, the great syphilis epidemic that spread across Europe led to the first published account of a condom. Gabrielle Fallopius described a sheath of linen he claimed to have invented to protect men from contracting syphilis! It wasn't until years later than a condom would be used to prevent pregnancy.
In the 1700s, the first published use of the word 'condum' was written into a poem. Furthermore, it is believed that Condom was a doctor in the time of Charles II. People believe that Dr Condom claimed to invent a device to help the king prevent the birth of illegitimate children! Strange, Gabrielle Fallopius claimed to invent the same device 200 years prior!
In the 1800s, condoms were being manufactured out of rubber! The switch in materials meant it was possible to mass produce condoms.
In the 1900's, condoms were transformed from rubber to latex. The first lubricated condom was launched in 1957 by Durex. And if it wasn't for the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the 1980's, most people around the world wouldn't use condoms as much as they do today.
Today, you can find flavoured condoms, unflavoured, ribbed, and in virtually any shape and size! Condom manufacturers have finally realized that one size does not fit all.
