How long have condoms been around? - The History of Contraception
Contraceptives such as condoms have a long and fascinating history that spans centuries. Among the numerous methods developed over time, the condom holds a special place. In this article, we take a look at the origins and evolution of condoms—one of the oldest forms of contraception in the world.
Ancient Beginnings
The history of condoms can be traced back to antiquity; some statues, for example in ancient Egypt, clearly depict “clothed” penises. Even earlier records exist from France, where painted rock art at Les Combarelles depicts covered penises. The paintings are approximately 14,000 years old. However, the condoms of that time were not made of latex or rubber, as we know them today, but were crafted from animal or plant-based materials such as intestines or fabrics. These early forms did not necessarily serve as contraceptives but usually had a ritual or medical purpose; they were intended to protect against disease or in battle, or they were simply adornments or status symbols.
King Minos—the presumed first user of condoms?
King Minos of Crete is often considered one of the first documented users of condoms. According to Greek legend, he protected his wife Pasiphae by using a type of condom made from a goat’s bladder, as his first ejaculation was said to be fatal.
It is believed that in ancient times, animal bladders were frequently used for contraception, at least as protection against sexually transmitted diseases. To enhance a man’s stamina, sheaths made of various materials were used, including leather, metal, leaves, and straw.
However, the effectiveness of these methods as contraceptives was limited, and their use was certainly confined to specific regions. At the same time, herbal substances, leaves, oils, and even unusual substances such as crocodile dung were recommended as contraceptives for women.
Advances in the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, the use of condoms in Europe was viewed not only as protection against unwanted pregnancies but also as protection against sexually transmitted diseases. At that time, condoms were made from various materials such as animal intestines, linen, or silk and were treated with various substances to increase their effectiveness.
Syphilis, in particular, was a terrifying epidemic in the 16th century and inspired the Italian physician Falloppio to use small linen pouches soaked in liquid over the penis during sexual intercourse as protection against the disease.
In the 17th century, an English court physician—who went down in history as “Dr. Condom”—was even knighted for his idea of using sheep intestines.
The Origin of the Word "Condom"
Not even among linguists is there a consensus on how the word (spelled with a "K" according to current German spelling rules) came to be. One possible origin story traces back to a 17th-century physician who practiced at the court of King Charles II of England and is said to have recommended sheep intestines for the prevention of disease and pregnancy. However, it remains unclear whether his exact name was “Dr. Condom” or possibly “Dr. Conton,” and this has not been proven beyond a doubt.
An alternative theory points to the town of Condom in southwestern France, which may have been connected to the term’s origin. Still other experts ultimately derive the term from the Latin words “cum” (with) and “domus” (house, dome, roof). Despite extensive research, the origin of the term remains uncertain, as noted in relevant dictionaries under the entry for “condom.”
The 18th Century and Casanova
The famous Giacomo Casanova was an avid user of condoms in the 18th century. He made a name for himself by using condoms—likely made from animal intestines—for his debauched escapades. Although condoms were already widespread at that time, they were still handmade and, as a result, quite expensive.
The idea of throwing away condoms after use was unthinkable back then! Instead, the sheaths were reused multiple times, cleaned and dried in between uses, and softened with oil and bran. When necessary, they were even patched with durable materials such as bone glue and animal intestines.
The luxury version of the condom at that time was lined with velvet and silk.
The Breakthrough in the 19th Century
The groundbreaking moment for the condom occurred in the mid-19th century, when Charles Goodyear developed the vulcanization process for the plant sap known as rubber. This innovation made it possible to use rubber latex as an elastic and waterproof material—not only for car tires, but also for condoms. In 1855, Goodyear presented the world with the first rubber condom, which then hit the market in 1870. Thanks to vulcanization, mass production of condoms in factories could begin, making them higher quality and significantly more affordable than before.
The renowned writer George Bernard Shaw described this rubber condom as the most significant invention of the 19th century. Goodyear’s condom had a wall thickness of 1–2 mm (compared to today’s standard of 0.06 mm) and featured a longitudinal seam.
The 20th Century and Julius Fromm—The Foundation of Today’s Condom
In 1912, Julius Fromm made a groundbreaking invention that had a lasting impact on the history of condom production. By immersing a glass flask in a latex solution, he developed an innovative method for manufacturing condoms. This process resulted in ultra-thin condoms with a reservoir tip that enhanced safety and comfort during use—all without any bothersome seams.
Julius Fromm went one step further and introduced machine-based condom production shortly thereafter. This automation not only revolutionized production speed but also contributed to the consistency and quality of the condoms produced. Machine production made it possible to manufacture condoms on a larger scale and with precise reproducibility, which increased the availability of this important contraceptive for the general population.
The 21st Century—Current Developments in Condom Technology and the Introduction of Condom Sizes
Condoms are still produced today using glass flasks, just as Julius Fromm originally invented them. In the meantime, however, there are numerous shapes, colors, flavored condoms, different wall thicknesses, and various condom sizes. Condoms have also become an established form of contraception; for example, over 200 million condoms were sold in Germany alone in the year 2000. By 2023, the condom had surpassed all other methods of contraception to become the number one choice, at least in Germany.
The idea of perfectly fitting condoms then gained significant traction starting in 2001, largely shaped by Jan Vinzenz Krause, the inventor of MISTER SIZE condoms. You can find the full story here: MISTER SIZE Story – The Vision of the Perfect Condom Experience
Furthermore, when the correct size is used and the condom is applied properly, condoms are now highly effective. This is certainly also due to the fact that condoms are now subject to strict quality controls and are officially approved medical devices. They thus provide reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.
Conclusion
The history of condoms is marked by continuous development and improvement. From their ancient origins to modern, high-tech versions, condoms have come a long way. Today, they are not only an effective form of contraception but also an important tool in the fight against sexually transmitted diseases. The history of condoms illustrates how human societies have sought solutions over time to gain control over their reproduction while protecting their sexual health.