But views are shifting.
The history of condoms has been fraught with such controversy, innovation, advances, and failures.
200 C.E.
Matthias Kabel / Lund University Historical Museum
Cave paintings dating back to the year 200 C.E.
depict external condom use, the earliest known visual evidence of their use.
However, other insist that the “condom” came from the Latin wordconduswhich simply means “vessel.”
1855
Rubber is introduced as a component of external condoms.
At that time, men were advised that these rubber version could be washed and reused until they crumble.
1861
The first U.S. external condom ad appears in theNew York Times.
1912
The introduction of latex makes external condoms cheap and disposable.
Thus, thesingle-use, latex condomis born.
By World War II, latex external condoms are mass produced and given to troops all over the world.
Experts agree that external condoms are the best wayoutside of abstinenceto avoid HIV, but many stillavoid using condoms.
2006
Condom sales reach 9 billion worldwide.
Experts find thespermicidesused to prevent pregnancy can also increase the risk of HIV and issue warnings about their use.
Additionally, with the emergence of latex allergies, condoms made ofpolyurethaneare manufactured for those people with latex allergies.
2017
Nottingham, England-based British Condom introduced i.Con, marketed as the world’s first smart condom.
but also claims to be able to detect sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and syphilis.
Business Insider.Pope Francis doesn’t want to talk about HIV and condoms.
Published November 30, 2015.
Khan F, Mukhtar S, Dickinson IK, Sriprasad S.The story of the condom.Indian J Urol.
2013;29(1):1215. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.109976
The New York Times.After Condom Remarks, Vatican Confirms Shift.
Published November 23, 2010.
The Week.Meet the 11 condoms of the future selected by Bill Gates.
Published November 21, 2013.
