Some things have been around for so long we can’t imagine a life without them. You see, by nature, they’re just too darn important. One of those things is condoms. Can you believe there used to be a time when condoms did not exist? It’s not like people did not have sex back then. Or that STDs did not exist. Or, women did not risk getting pregnant each time they had penetrative sex with a man. But there wasn’t such a concept.
The earliest documentation of condoms dates back to King Minos of Crete, ruler of Knossos, in 3000 B.C. The legend goes that his semen was full of ‘serpents and scorpions’ because his mistresses mysteriously died after having sex with him. He then used the goat’s bladder sheath to protect his wife, Pasiphaë, and other sexual partners. According to the US Government’s National Library of Medicine, it remains a subject of debate as to how the sheath was used. It was either inserted in the woman’s vagina or Minos wore it himself.
Even Ancient Egyptians used protection in the form of linen sheaths. The library notes they were among the first civilizations to use protections to fight diseases like bilharzia. In fact, in the year 1922, Archaeologist Howard Carter and his team of researchers were left dumbfounded by an incredible discovery in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Among 5000+ artefacts and precious jewellery was a small cloth piece which was apparently the King’s condom, containing his DNA sample. Composed of a sheath made from fine linen soaked in olive oil, it was attached to a string to be tied around his waist.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a tortoiseshell or even an animal horn was used to cover the glan, the tip of the penis. The Chinese used protection made from oiled silk paper or lamb intestines. The old Djukas tribe of New Guinea came up with a unique idea to prevent conception altogether. They made a distinct female condom especially made from a specific plant that was introduced into the vagina before penetration.
The first reported outbreak of Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, took place between 1494 to 1495 among French troops. The Italian anatomist Gabriele Falloppio, who also provided a detailed description of Fallopian Tubes (hence, the name) was among the first people to present the use of a condom as an effective measure of protection against syphilis.
During the English Civil War in the Renaissance period, King Charles I’s forces caught syphilis due to their engagement with prostitutes. His successor, King Charles II, is linked to the creation of the word condom itself, who was apparently struggling with the extent of his illegitimate children.
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In 1839 came the most pathbreaking invention when Charles Goodyear discovered rubber vulcanization during the Industrial Revolution. A vulcanized rubber is developed when sulphur and rubber are heated together to create a highly elastic malleable material.
However, the awareness and the discourse caused a significant boom in the usage of condoms. While the US government in 1873 framed laws to ban the distribution of condoms, it was in World War 1, they got the reality check. Apparently, the German troops were deployed with condoms along with the ammunition whereas the British and the US armies did not use the same. Result? Scores of American soldiers contracted syphilis and gonorrhoea. This mistake was rectified in the following world war, and condoms were deployed for soldiers.
When latex was finally discovered in 1920, it changed the face of the condom industry forever. Now, latex condoms are everywhere. They can be expanded to myriad times their original size and can be easily mass-produced. However, the problem with latex is that some people are known to have allergic reactions to it on skin contact. These may include symptoms like itchiness, redness, or even swelling. But, a solution for this has been reached.
You see, today, we have entered a new era in condom history. We have a vegan condom made from 100% natural latex. So, goodbye allergies! Bleu by Sirona is free from harmful chemicals and made keeping in mind a woman’s POV.
Now, you don’t have to be a sex expert to know that a woman’s pleasure is not talked about enough. It’s good to see things are changing!
