The condom, also called rubber, capote or prophylactic  is the oldest barrier contraceptive which stops the introduction of sperm in the vagina, avoiding the possibility of  non wanted pregnancy.

When the anti-conceptive pill was invented, it seemed that the use of condoms would terminate. HIV and the re-occurrence of sexual transmitted diseases has given to condom a new life as a prevention device.

What is condom?

It is a thin latex (or other material) sheath to fit over the head of the penis, having a hood shape, which has to slip on the erected penis prior to insertion in the vagina.

The etymology is probably latin, from “condus” which means container, or from “condere” which means hide, protect, defend.

Condom is also the name of a French town nearby Gres, where butchers provided the intestines of lambs which were softened with almond oil prior to the sexual intercourse.

It is also said to be invented by a British physician of the English King Charles II, Quondam, “condom” would therefore be an abbreviation of the name.

History

Prophylactic is not a recent invention. Man has always tried to defend himself from sexual diseases and unwanted pregnancies. King Minox of the Greek island of Crete used a condom made of fish bladder.

The Egyptians (1350 BC) used  animal bladders and intestines previously soaked in oil. Also linen fabric was “fashionable”, but it was probably used as ornament, rather than protection.

The Chinese rolled thin rice paper sheets filled with oil around the penis, while the Japanese made condoms out of turtle skin and shells treated with alkaline solutions which made them soft. The Romans used goat bladders and sheep intestines.

In 100-200 AC in Les Combarelles caves, France, engravings show that condom prototypes were used.

In 1564 an Italian doctor, Gabriele Falloppio, in his book “The Morbo Gallico” describes a procedure to prevent syphilis, (a disease very common at the time): a linen sheath soaked in an antiseptic solution of herbs and salt.

In the following century condom is not only a method to prevent diseases, but also a  contraceptive method. In 1766 , for the first time in history, the use of condom is promoted through leaflets. Around 1750, king Louis XVI received a gift from the British Royals the “capote d’anglaise” (English overcoat). At the time these “exotic” accessories where lined with velvet and silk.

In the 800 lamb, goat intestine, or silk were used to produce prophylactics; they were fixed to the penis with a lace fixed on the side of the opening and they were reusable.

In 1839, thanks to Charles Goodyear (pneumatics), through the vulcanization process which makes rubber elastic, rubber condoms were manufactured.

At the beginning of 1900 mass production starts. Since then methods are unchanged, while rubber has been replaced with latex.

I cannot refrain to mention a bestseller book at the beginning of 2007 “La Cathedral del Mar” “The Sea Cathedral” by Idelfonso Falcones, set in the XIV century, page 257 recites: “The boys….had the knowledge to make a very thin leather wood that well oiled, was put on the penis prior to fornication. The certainty not to become pregnant, together with the youth of lovers and the darkness of the night, were an irresistible temptation for all the women who desired an anonymous adventure.”

How to use it

Prior to explain how to use the condom, some information on the correct use of the device.

• Keep the prophylactic in a cool and dry place

• Do not keep it in the dashboard or wallet

• Do not reuse condoms

• Wear the condom upon erection

• Do not use old condoms in damaged packaging

• Do not use oils or ointments to make it more slippery

Do not use the condom if:

• The packaging is damaged

• The condom is fragile or dry

• Color has changed

• It is sticky

• It has been kept for a long time

Prior to the sexual intercourse:

• Check the package

• Carefully open the package, gently take the condom to avoid damages. Do not use scissors, knifes, avoid wearing jewelry, etc.

• Do not unroll the condom before wearing it

• The condom has to be unfolded towards the end of it

• If inserted incorrectly take it off and discard it. The reuse must be avoided  because the condom can be contaminated with the pre-ejaculatory liquid which might contain sexually transmissible microorganisms.

• If not circumcised, pull the prepuce backward, put the condom on the tip of the erected penis; the gland must be uncovered.

• Use your thumb and index fingers to squeeze the tip, so that air flows avoiding bursting.

• Gently unroll the condom up to the base of the penis. Penis must be entirely covered.

• Carefully check the condom in order to spot eventual ruptures.

After sexual intercourses:

• Immediately after ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom and pull the penis out of the vagina before the penis gets soft. Take off the condom carefully without spilling.

• Wrap the used condom with a paper tissue and dispose it in the rubbish bin, not in the toilet because condoms are not biodegradable.

In the case of another sexual intercourse:

• Wash the penis thoroughly

• Wear a new condom.

Advantages and disadvantages of condoms

Vantages:

• The use of condoms can be discontinued at any time.

• It is the contraception method that offers major security. Attention must be paid to the possibility of ruptures, above all in the presence of air bubbles.

• It offers the best protection from sexually transmissible diseases. Available without prescription

Disadvantages:

• Easy to break (unnoticed by the user)

• Diminish sensitivity

• Cause embarrassment and affect the approach to sexual intercourse, sometimes provoking lack of sexual desire and erection.

• Rarely trig allergic reactions (latex)

How to lubricate condoms

Sometimes, in particular conditions, such as vaginal dryness of the partner or in the case of anal intercourse, further lubrication might be necessary.

OIL BASED LUBRICANTS MUST BE AVOIDED!!!

No, no, no…

• Vaseline

• Paraffin

• Baby oil

• Hydrating lotion

• Cosmetic creams

Dimensions

The following table has been taken from “Altro consumo”, magazine of the Italian consumers association. Measures are expressed in millimeters.

Type of condoms:

There are different kind of condoms:

• Anatomic: they adapt to the anatomy, emphasizing the sensibility

• Aromatized: identical in terms of thickness and dimension, but colored and aromatized with fruit flavors (banana, strawberry, etc.). Thanks to flavored lubricants they are often used in oral intercourses.

• Colored: they come in different colors

• Easy On: It is made by Durex-Hatu. Easy to wear and more comfortable during the intercourse. The central tip has a squeeze. They are more lubricated than normal condoms.

• Normal: they are classic, same width through the length, transparent and lubricated.

• Resistant: thicker than normal, particularly resistant.

• Retard: they contain an anesthetic that prolongs the intercourse

• No latex: to be used in case of latex allergy

• Thin: minimum thickness

• Stimulating for lady: externally embossed, stimulate the vaginal walls. For man: ribbed for extra stimulation.

• Thin: thinner than classic

• XXL: larger than standard

• XXS: smaller than standard.

How are they made?

As mentioned above, condoms are made from latex.

What’s latex? It is a liquid that flows from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Euphorbiaceae ). The tree can reach the height of 20 mt. Originally from Amazonia, the tree is also cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in plantations of 200-250 trees per hectare with a production of 450 Kg per hectare.

Coconut shells are attached to the tree via a short sharp stick and the latex drips down into it . This usually produces latex up to three quarters of the shell (app. 30 ml).

The production of condoms comes in four phases:

• Compound

• Dipping

• Testing

• Foil – packing

Compounding Compounding is a multi-step process in which ingredients that strengthen, preserve, and stabilize raw latex are mixed into the latex. Several unique compounds are used to make condoms.

Dipping After the latex is compounded, it is dispersed in a dipping tank. Shafts called mandrills are placed into the pool of latex. The shape of the mandrill creates the shape of the condom. After dipping, the mandrill passes through drying and curing ovens that help strengthen the condom.

Pinhole Testing After production, the condoms are tested. One by one, each and every condom is electronically tested for microscopic pinholes. In this test, condoms are placed over metal forms that are sent through an electrical field. The insulating characteristic of rubber allows this test to find microscopic holes and thin spots, through which electricity can pass and be detected. Pinhole testing ensures that all condoms are of the highest quality before wrapping.

Wrapping Condoms are lubricated and hermetically sealed.

Packaging Packaging is the final step in the production of commercially available condoms. Foil wrappers are collected and boxed by machine. The condoms are now ready to ship to customers around the world.

Quality standard:

The EEC norm dated June 14, 1993 states that condoms are equal to medicines. EN 600:1996 states that condoms not only must have contraceptive properties, but also protect from sexually transmissible diseases.

The minimum requirements are:

• Length: min. 170 mm

• Width: 44-60 mm

• Thickness: 0,04 – 0, 08 mm

• Impermeability

• Capacity: at least 18 l

• Electronic tests for each piece

• Strength test

Non latex condoms

For those allergic to latex there are condoms made of a type of plastic, polyurethane (Duron®, Durex Avanti, Italy)). They are thinner than latex condoms, increase sensitivity and more agreeable in feel because they warm to  the body temperature.  They can be lubricated with oil and non oil bases lubricants.