History of condoms – A few interesting facts
Feb 14th, 2011 by aminshit
Condoms are a protective sheath made from latex or polyurethane. It’s a barrier against sexually transmitted diseases and also acts as a barrier against pregnancy. Condoms are so popular these days that nobody actually wonders about their origins. They are as much a part of everyday life as tooth paste or tooth brush.
The origins of the word
Experts believe that the Latin word for container or vessel – ‘Condus’ – is the origin of the word ‘condom’. The reasoning behind this nomenclature can be the functionality of this device. As it holds semen and bacteria at bay, and does not let them enter the partner’s body, it can be also considered a container.
The oldest contraception
When it comes to contraception, condoms have been in use for thousands of years. There is proof that condoms were used in ancient Egypt even before 950 B.C. Paintings from that era have depictions of the use of condoms. Even Europe witnessed the use of condoms, but at a later date as compared to its use in Egypt. But, there is no doubt that when it comes to the earliest use of the condom in modern times, its Europe that used the first modern condom.
Later history
Italy witnessed the first public demonstration of condom way back in the 15th century. Its objective was to protect people from syphilis, a sexual transmitted disease. That condom wasn’t made from a rubbery substance, but was made from linen. It was only in the 1930s that latex was used for the making of the condom. Over time, it has gone through various developments in terms of size, strength, colour and even flavour.