Different Colours

Have you ever noticed that condoms come in different colours, flavours, textures, and materials? Consider the plethora of shapes, sizes, as well as other enhancements such as lubricants, spermicides and so on. Not to forget existence of female condoms and dental dams. Condom manufacturers are not stopping there either. It is reported that durex will be launching condoms with a Viagra® -like substance to curb condom induced erectile dysfunction (Huffington Post, 2011). With so many options, there is surely a condom for everyone. Like many other things in life, we need to give a couple a whirl before deciding on which styles work best to protect from numerous infections including HIV; as well as keeping our lives fun and interesting.

Condoms have not always come in an array of shapes and sizes. In fact, people from generations before us did not have as many options as people in contemporary society do. There is evidence to suggest the first protective sheaths were developed as early as 100-BC. (Avert, 2011). Debate on which civilization developed the concept is still out there. Historians, anthropologists and health scientists have witnessed condom-like material from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and some parts of Asia. Early condoms were made out of linen, silk paper, shells and other materials. Rather difficult to imagine what that would have been like eh?

Europe experienced a surge in new syphilis infections around the 1500’s that helped put condoms on the map. Gabrielle Fallopius is credited for publishing the first article confirming the protective properties of linen condoms. It was also around this time that they discovered proper use of condoms could indeed prevent pregnancy (Avert, 2011). One could argue the first condom enhancements took place at this time as well. Scientists learned dipping condoms in some chemicals could kill sperm- this further enhanced the protective characteristics of condoms. By the late 1700’s hand made condoms thrived. Some pharmacies took the initiative to raise condom awareness through advertisements and handbills.

Condoms of the rubber sort did not emerge till about the 1800’s, Goodyear and his partner- yes the tire guys; developed a process that could turn rubber into a stretchy elastic substance (lovepanky, 2011). This made it easy for manufactures to make condoms using a hand dipping process. Rubber cement condoms however aged quickly and were known to break. So in 1919 Frederick Killian decided to try latex instead of rubber. This actually worked well. In addition to making them stronger, he was able to rid them of the strong, unpleasant rubber scent. Creature comforts we take for granted today such as lubricant were added to condoms in by 1957 by durex (Avert, 2011).

Since then condom enhancements have occurred left-right and center. Examples include the introduction of female condoms in 1992 (Avert, 2011). It is also around the same time color and flavor was added to the mix. Other materials such as polyurethane for individuals with allergies or different preference were launched. It should be stressed however that not all condoms protect against HIV and some STI’s. Be sure to carefully read the label and contact a sexual health center or AIDS service organization should you have any doubts, questions and or concerns. If everything checks out; let the sparks fly!

References
‘Viagra Condom’ Durex CSD500 Coming to Europe. (2011, August 5). Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/09/viagra-condom-durex-csd500-_n_859640.html

Condoms: Effectiveness, History and Availability. (2011). Retrieved October 3, 2011, from http://www.avert.org/condoms.htm

Facts About Condoms. (2011) Retrieved October 3, 2011 from http://www.lovepanky.com/sensual-tease/sizzle/facts-about-condoms

This article was written by AIDS Calgary’s Outreach worker. Retrieved from the A Word on Thursday, December 22, 2011.