The History of the Condom
There is very little by way of history through the ages when it comes to the use of condoms, but here's what is known, as well as which condoms work best.
- From ancient Minoan society comes a myth that King Minos (1500 BCE) sought to protect his wife from scorpions and serpents in his sperm by using a goat's bladder as a "rubber". Sheep intestines were often noted as being used through the centuries to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
- In ancient China, silk or skin condoms were used. However, they only covered the very tip of the penis. I can't even imagine how that may have worked.
- Old condoms were discovered in a dig in Birmingham, England, near Dudley Castle, made from fish, cattle, and sheep intestines. These were issued during battles to keep soldiers from contracting syphilis.
- The legendary Casanova was known to blow up his condoms before using them to check for holes.
- In the 1700s, condoms were mass-produced in different sizes from animal intestines or bladders softened with lye and sulfur. Some were made from linen.
- In the 18th century, Mrs. Phillips and her beautiful daughters ran a "specialty" condom shop in Leicester Square in London, England. Condoms included those made from sheep gut.
- In 1855, the first rubber condom was produced, which could be washed and reused several times.
- Latex was invented in the 1920s, which began the production of the condoms we know and still use today.
What Kind of Condom is Safest?
The most popular condoms are ones made of latex, made of rubber, which is where the term "Rubbers" is derived from. Latex condoms meet FDA standards, and when used correctly, they prevent pregnancy 98% of the time. According to Consumer Reports, the following latex condoms share the highest ratings for satisfaction and safety.
- Lambskin condoms are the most natural of all condoms. It is one of the largest condoms on the market and the most expensive. Lambskin condoms are made from lamb intestinal membrane and are the original contraceptive "rubber" used for centuries to prevent pregnancy. They are 98% effective against pregnancy but do not prevent STIs due to their porousness. Another drawback is that they each have a drawstring. Right? Trojan's offers the only actual lambskin condom available in the United States.
- Durex Performax Lubricated has an "easy on" shape, a reservoir tip, a pleasant smell, and heats up. Durex Extra Sensitive Lubricated Latex is also highly recommended.
- Trojan Sensitivity Bareskin Lubricated feature reservoir tips and are approximately 40% thinner than other latex condoms. These condoms are also electronically tested for flexibility and strength.
- Trojan Extended Pleasure Climax Control Lubricant, Trojan ENC, Trojan Her Pleasure, and Trojan Ultra Pleasure Spermicidal Lubricant are highly rated.
- Crown Skinless Skin Condoms are pink in color, lubricated, and rated the #1 condom sold by Condom Depot for over a decade (CondomDepot.com).
- Polyisoprene condoms are non-latex condoms made from a synthetic version of latex that does not include the natural proteins in rubber responsible for latex allergies. They are as safe for preventing pregnancy and STIs as latex condoms. They are stretchier and tend not to break or slip. These condoms are a healthy alternative for those who are sensitive to latex. Lifestyles SKYN, SKYNcondoms, and FC2 Female Condom are consumer favorites. These are all FDA-approved.
- Lifestyles Classic Collection Ultra-Sensitive Lubricated offers a more natural feeling as it is approximately a thinner condom and is exceptionally safe.
- Other highly safe condom favorites are Crown Skinless Skin, Kimono Microthin, LifeStyles DoublePlay, and LifeStyles His.
In mentioning, "silver-laced" condoms are available, proven to help the fight against contracting HSV. Here's a link to learn more. The Aoni's Nanosilver Ultrathin 001 condom can be purchased at AoniCondoms.com.
The Benefits of Using Condoms
- To avoid unwanted pregnancy when used as a contraceptive
- To protect against sexually transmittable infections (STIs), such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, and blood.
- Condoms also serve to minimize premature ejaculation, thereby promoting an extended and more enjoyable sexual experience.
- But do condoms prevent contracting herpes or passing the virus on to others? No. Condoms do not prevent anyone from contracting herpes or passing the virus on to someone else. However, while condoms cannot prevent contracting herpes or genital warts, they help minimize the risk. Condoms are one of the cheapest forms of health insurance you can take out against the Herpes Simplex Virus.
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