It ranks fourth in the order of the most widely used contraceptives in the world. However, do you know the different types that exist? Or even its creation date? Here are some amazing anecdotes about condoms.
When was it invented?
The external condom dates from a very long time ago: we already find the first models in Antiquity! The Romans made it from the intestines or bladders of animals. In the 16th century, the anatomist Gabriel Fallope conducted tests on men using a "light fabric sheath", in order to test whether they were preserved from syphilis. The test confirms that protection reduces the risk of contracting venereal disease.
In the 18th century, the invention spread throughout Europe. It is attested to by its presence in France, in England (from which it will later come to be known as the English condom) from 1736.
The term "condom" appeared in France in a 1780 advertisement for a brothel, touting the hygiene of the device.
On the Asian side, the condom is also known and made of leather or tortoiseshell.
At the beginning of the 18th century, it became made of rubber.
A century later, in 1870, the first latex condom is born. However, advertising was prohibited in France until 1987.
The internal condom was mentioned to him in Antiquity and described from the 16th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, a female condom called "The Practice" was also marketed, which was very successful; then it disappeared to be reborn in 1992 under the name of "Femidon".
However, the internal condom can also be used by men during anal intercourse.
From what year were we able to advertise it?
France only allows advertising on condoms 1987, after a bill passed in 1986, subject to obtaining a visa from the Health Products Safety Agency, just like a medicine.
These had been banned since the end of the First World War, considered as anti-natalist propaganda.
In 1986, AIDES was the first association to show condoms on the screen in a prevention clip.
How many kinds are there?
There are three kinds :
– external: the best known and best selling, it is used with a new condom every time. It is necessary to change it between each partner, or if one passes from the anus to the vagina, to avoid infections.
– internal: Formerly called "female condom", we now say "internal condom", since it can also be used by men (during anal penetration for example). Little known and little used, the internal condom also offers effective protection against HIV and STIs. It goes inside the vagina and can be placed for several hours before intercourse. Made of polyurethane or nitrile, the internal condom is an alternative for people allergic to latex.
– the dental dam: to protect oneself during oral sex: ciunnilingus, annulingus. It is easy to make one by cutting a condom lengthwise and unrolling it. You can also buy already made.
Each kind has its advantages, ask for more information. Be careful not to stack two condoms on top of each other (internal + external or two external): this increases the risk of rupture.
What is their rate of protection against STIs?
If used properly, that is, they have not slipped or been torn, internal, external condoms and dental dams are reliable at 100%. Be careful to always wash your hands, cut your nails, and be careful not to have sores through which an infection could pass.
When should we use it?
Every time you have sex! Each report must be done with protection, unless the two partners have agreed and have been screened and negative since their last report.
For more information on screening possibilities: https://www.aides.org/les-outils-de-prevention-vih-sida