The History of Condoms

1000 B.C.
The ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease.

100-200 A.D.
The earliest evidence of condom use in Europe are scenes from cave paintings at Combarelles in France.

1500s
An Italian doctor by the name of Gabrielle Fallopius (for whom, coincidentally, the female fallopian tube was named) suggested that linen sheath condoms be used to protect against syphilis, a deadly epidemic at that time in history.

1600s
Reports say farmers in Condom, France began using sheep guts as condoms, possibly the origin of the lambskin condom.

Allegedly, the name "condom" was coined when Charles II was given oiled sheep intestines to use as condoms by a Dr. Condom or Quondam. However, some believe the name "condom" came from the Latin word "condus" which means "vessel".

1700s
The English connection may explain the name legendary lover Casanova gave to his sheath. He would never mount without his "redingote anglaise", his English riding coat.

1843
Goodyear and Hancock began to mass-produce condoms made out of vulcanized rubber, which is a stronger and more elastic material. Men are advised that these rubber condoms can be washed and reused until they crumble.

1930s
Liquid latex manufacturing supersedes crepe rubber. It is still the basis for manufacture today.

1990s
New technology has considerably improved the condom and enabled the production of far more sophisticated versions than our ancestors were used to. The latest development is Durex Avanti made from a unique polyurethane material, Duron, which is twice as strong as latex! enabling a thinner, more sensitive film.

Today
Avanti Condoms by Durex are made from a unique non-latex polyurethane film and coated in a silky smooth lubricant. Each Avanti Condom is electronically tested for durability.

Condom sales reach nine billion worldwide.