THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF CONDOMS
THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF CONDOMS
The history of condoms dates back from animal remains and cave times though latex stands to be the material used up to date.
Condoms have been a historical subject of curiosity for decades. It is neatly packed with strict regulations on how to use it and may seem like a modern invention though it took some time for the most effective form to be invented. It has both staunch supporters and haters. Some people even believe that sex without a condom is never sweet. Either way, we can all tell that a condom is good for healthy sex. Therefore, we need to understand the historical forms of condoms used to what it is now.
In Ancient Times
In Greece, Egypt, and Rome, women were left to consider contraceptives either by using pessaries or religious amulets in the olden days. However, you could easily note a depiction of men using a sheath-like material thought to be an early form of contraceptive.
12,000 BCE
The first form of condoms used in Europe resembled cave paintings discovered in the Dordogne area of Southern France. A good illustration of a man using the French cave painting during intercourse provides a better understanding of how it could prevent diseases.
3000 BCE
The father of the Minotaur, King Minos of Crete, was believed to have scorpions and serpents in his semen. He used a "female condom" made with a goat bladder while having sex with His partners, including His wife, Pasiphae. The decision was after the death of his mistress upon sleeping with him.
1350-1220 BCE
Ancient tribe members wore loincloths to cover the glans of the penis only to prevent themselves from getting injuries, infections, and insect bites.
1400 to 1900
In the 1400s, the use of condoms began to be more interesting though quite gross. Glans condom was invented in some parts of Asia, China, and Japan, using different materials. The Chinese opted for soft materials from oiled silk paper and lamb intestine. The Japanese chose more durable materials such as animal horns and tortoiseshell. However, this Asian version of condoms sounded to be an uninteresting trip. These condoms could easily slip off during intercourse and eventually get stuck inside the receiving partner.
The Mid-1500s
Gabrielle Fallopius, the Italian anatomist, invented linen condoms soaked in chemicals to protect users from contracting syphilis. These condoms were made to the exact shape of the glans and could be neatly tied up using a string. He tested the linen condoms to 1100 participants who willingly volunteered during the outbreak of syphilis, but none of them got infected with syphilis. Due to the unexpected positive outcome of the test, linen condoms became more popular for some years before another version was invented as it had gained public confidence.
The Mid-1600s
The first physical version of an animal skin condom was discovered in this era, in Europe, by archeologists examining the invention of Dudley Castle. They were made of animal intestines and fish. In 1666 the fertility rate of the word “Condon,” the first documented spelling, had been recognized by the English Birth Rate Commission.
The 1770s
Giacomo Casanova, who was well known as the "Great Lover," popularized and destigmatized the use of a condom. During His adult life, He kept all His sex life memories and often referred to his use of condoms as the best way to protect himself and his different lovers from contracting venereal infections, specifically syphilis. There is a hilarious picture showing how he inflated them before use to ensure there were no holes.
1855
Charles Goodyear was able to invent the natural rubber condoms, which were similar to the thickness of the inner tube of a bicycle and were less likely to break down during sex, unlike the early condoms. During that time, people were told they could reuse the rubber condoms until they began to crumble. However, currently, men are not advised to reuse condoms as their effectiveness greatly diminishes during the first use.
1900 to Present
From 1914 to 1918, the only forces that did not encourage condoms were the British and American armies since they did not provide condoms to their soldiers. This increased the rate of infection in the world. Just before the end of the war in 1918, the American court made a conviction against Margaret Sanger, the birth control advocate. The judge ruled on the legal advertisement and selling of condoms to prevent diseases.
In 1920, Youngs Rubber Company invented a latex condom that was thinner though stronger with a shelf life of 5years instead of 3 months.
The 1930s:: Fred Killian offered a fully automated line for manufacturing latex condoms, which were hand-dipped at that moment.
The 1960s and 1970s:: Strict regulations on condoms were put in action.
1978: Condoms were legally sold in Ireland for the first time.
In the 1980s, major companies advertised and promoted condoms against contracting AIDS, as 360,900 cases were reported with 236,230 deaths before it declined in 1993.
1994: There was a decline in the media focuses on the AIDS pandemic with the fall in condom sales. They had to look at the causes of the reduction in condom usage.
2015: Reports from different studies showed an increase in the cases of three main STIs –Syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea- since 2006.
Conclusion
Now we understand how condoms have developed from the ancient days. While our knowledge and understanding of sexual health have continued developing since the 20th century, it is a great shock to notice that the last true innovation of condoms was designed about 70years ago. The attitude of many people towards sex has drastically changed during these years, and the same has happened to condoms. Today, various options are available in the market for pleasurable but safer sex. The technology currently used to manufacture condoms ensures a good form of birth control and preventive measure of STDS.