The Condom: A History Of “Material” Changes

Though the condom we have today is basically the same as the condoms we remember throughout our lifetime, there is a rich history of the condom.

The Early Centuries

Throughout the history of the condom , it was used for both birth control and to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. The condom is depicted in some ancient art, as far back as 12,000 – 15,000 years old. It is difficult to know what material those condoms depicted were made of. There is, however, a legend of Minos, which is recorded in 150 AD, that lends credence to the idea that there were condoms in ancient history . In this legend, Minos suffers from a curse that makes his semen have scorpions and serpents. In order to keep his semen from hurting the women, he would use a goat's bladder ( as a female condom) to protect them.

Renaissance Years: 1500 – 1800

By around 1500 AD, there were glans condoms, which only covered the top of the penis. In China, these were made of oiled silk paper or lamb intestine. In Japan, they used animal horn or tortoise shell.

In 1494 there was a major syphilis outbreak, and by 1594, the method of combating it was to use a condom. At this point, a condom was a linen sheath soaked in a chemical solution and dried prior to use. They were just big enough to cover the head of the penis, and were held in place by a ribbon. During the Renaissance time period, condoms were also made out in animal bladders and intestines. By the last 15th century, there were condoms being brought over to Japan by Dutch traders. They were made out of “fine leather,” and – really for the first time – covered the whole of the penis.

During the 18th century, the history of condoms is more documented. Condoms were available in many forms: in various sizes, and from either linen or “skin” (which was intestine or bladder softened by being treated with sulphur and lye). They were also more widely available. They could be found in barbershops, chemist shops, at the theater and in the open-air markets, as well as in pubs.

Rubberization – Thank You, Charles Goodyear!

The first rubber condom was made in 1855, giving the condom's history to have its first drastic change. These could be reused, making them a more economical choice long term, though initially the skin condoms were still cheaper and allowed more sensitivity.

Initially, condoms were made of rubber by wrapping strips of raw rubber around molds shaped like penises. The molds were then dipped in a chemical solution to cure the rubber. Originally, these were made to fit just the glans – or tip – of the penis, and a man would have to have a doctor measure him to get the right size. Unfortunately, they also often fell off during use. Soon, the rubber manufacturers realized they could sell more by making full-length, condoms that were “one size fits all.”

In 1912, a new manufacturing method was developed – they used a raw rubber solution, and dipped glass molds into it. Using this dipping method, the French manufacturers were able to add textures to the condoms they produced – and the history of the condom was influenced again.

Original article : History of condom