Condoms are one of the most popular and effective forms of birth control and STI prevention out there. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and 95% effective at preventing STIs. They’re also one of the most affordable and accessible methods. You can buy condoms at most drugstores, grocery stores, and convenience stores across the country and many health clinics and community organizations also offer condoms for free or at a discounted price.
Of course, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and textures. They can also be fun, available in a variety of colours, flavours, and even designs… there are even some condoms that are scented or glow in the dark.
But there’s more to condoms than just the practical benefits. Read on for 12 fun facts about condoms that you probably didn’t know.
Condoms have been around for a long time
Although their precise purpose is unclear, condoms (or something similar) are depicted on male hieroglyphics figures dating back to ancient Egypt. The earliest known condoms that resemble protective uses were made in the early 1500s from animal intestines, such as sheep or goat bladders. These were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms were originally used by men to protect themselves from women
In the 18th and 19th centuries, condoms were marketed as a way for men to protect themselves from syphilis and other STIs that could be transmitted by women. It wasn’t until the 20th century that condoms were also promoted as a way to prevent pregnancy.
The first modern condoms were made from real rubber and produced by Goodyear
Charles Goodyear didn’t invent the modern condom, but he did play a very import rold making them more affordable and more widely accessible. In 1839, Goodyear invented the rubber vulcanisation, a process which was used to harden rubber.
Soldiers used condoms to protect rifles from rusting
The legit rifles used for wars were protected from rusting using condoms. This method was devised in the Second World War when the barrels of the rifles were covered with condoms.
Condom manufacturer Karex produces over 5 billion condoms per year
The world’s largest condom manufacturer is Karex Berhad, a Malaysian company. Karex produces over 5 billion condoms per year, which is about one-fifth of the world’s total condom supply.
Around 40% of condoms are purchased by women
Why should men only be responsible for buying condoms? You will be happy to know that according to recent data, 40 per cent condoms are sold to women, who are taking responsibility for their and their partner’s sexual health.
The average condom can hold a gallon of liquid
Pretty impressive, right? Just a reminder that no matter the level of your output, your condom will keep you covered.
Many people don’t actually know how to use condoms
Proper condom use may seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a lot of people out there that are really unsure or confused as to how to properly use a condom. The phrase “can you reuse a condom” produces more than 130,000 results on Google. (BUT SERIOUSLY, condoms are meant to be used once)
During production, electric currents are sent through condoms in order to check for holes and tears
It’s true. Every latex condom is tested for holes with an electric current. If the condom passes, it is rolled and packaged. In addition, a portion of each batch of condoms is subject to water leak and air burst testing.
Trojan was the first company that advertised condoms on television in 1975
In 1975 a local television station in San Jose, California, ran the first commercial advertising condoms, a spot that promoted Trojan brand condoms. The station received numerous disapproving calls, and as a result it conducted a public poll during the evening news broadcast.
Condoms are not just made of rubber latex
The vast majority of condoms are made out of latex, and most guys and their partners have no problems using them. But for those who do have an issue, like an allergic reaction, there are alternatives. Some prophylactics are made out of synthetic materials like polyurethane or polyisoprene while others are made out of animal intestines, often lambskin.
Sexual pleasure and condom use
According to research by Debby Hebernick, PhD, a research scientist at Indiana University, condoms don’t actually alter pleasure for men or women. Men are just as likely to orgasm with a condom as without.
