A look back at the history of the male condom

Recently, we came across a rather alarming report from the World Health Organization (WHO). It seems that condom use is steadily declining in France and that teenagers no longer really see the point of protecting themselves…

⅓ of teenagers (boys and girls) report not having used a contraceptive during their last sexual encounter.

Furthermore, the condom usage rate has been constantly decreasing over the last ten years. The cause? A search for "better sensations" and a lack of knowledge. And the result? An increase in the rate of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Grrr.

As a reminder, the condom is the only contraceptive method that protects against STIs: it is essential to always have some in your nightstand, you never know.

We therefore looked into the history of this wonderful accessory and will give you a few tips along the way for choosing your own.

The history of the male condom

The first traces of the male condom

The history of the condom does not begin in the 20th century at all. It dates back to antiquity, or even much earlier. The first traces of penis protection solutions were discovered among the Egyptians (6000 BC). At this stage, the goal was not really comfort or even contraception (which people didn't much care about), but rather the fear of infections.

In Europe, the first known depictions of the condom appear between 100 and 200 AD, in the Combarelles caves (in France!!) where a scene seems to show a "protected" penis.

In Asia, uses diversified very early on: in the 10th century, the Chinese used oiled silk paper, while the Japanese invented versions made of leather or tortoise shell, called Kabuta-Gata.

In short, we are still very far from latex models and vending machines, but the idea was already there: to protect oneself, to control diseases, and sometimes, incidentally, to control births.

The scientists who advanced research

In the 16th century, the Italian surgeon Gabriel Fallopio (yes, the same Fallopio from the Fallopian tubes) was one of the first to seriously describe a condom for medical purposes.

In his work published in 1564, he talks about a sheath made of light fabric, designed to protect against syphilis, then nicknamed the "French disease" (it’s true that it was a bit shameful to have that back then). His work marked a major turning point: for the first time, the condom was no longer just a practical or artisanal object; it became a subject of scientific study.

A century later, the biologist Lazzaro Spallanzani also moved things forward thanks to his experiments on reproduction. By testing small "linen briefs" on male frogs (don't ask me how we got there), he showed that fertilization depends on direct contact between male seed and egg.

In short, he helped us understand that the condom can also be a contraceptive tool, and not just a barrier against diseases. These two researchers thus laid the foundations for a dual use that remains at the heart of the condom even today: protecting against STIs and avoiding pregnancy.

The appearance of the condom as we know it

For a long time, the condom remained manufactured from animal material (sheep gut, animal vesicles...), not very comfortable, sometimes reusable, and frankly far from glamorous.

The big turning point arrived in the 19th century with the invention of rubber vulcanization by Charles Goodyear in 1839. It was a real revolution! Thanks to vulcanized rubber, condoms became stronger, more elastic, and much easier to mass-produce.

Then, around 1880, the first latex models appeared, which truly became democratized starting in the 1930s thanks to industrialization. It was around the same time that condoms began to be factory-lubricated, which changed quite a few things in terms of comfort and effectiveness.

In the 20th century, the condom entered a new era: mass production, lubricated models, colored, scented, textured versions, and even the appearance of the female condom. Manufacturers finally understood that sexuality can also be fun and pleasant.

But it was really in the 1980s, with the AIDS epidemic, that the condom became a central public health tool. It established itself as the symbol of sexual prevention and finally entered public conversations, despite all the taboos.

Since then, the condom we know today has been perfected: single-use, latex-free materials, varied sizes, textures, design, better comfort. We went from a DIY animal gut device to a high-tech, standardized, and much friendlier prevention object.

Our advice for choosing your male condom

Choosing the right condom size

Size is really not a detail.

Too tight, and the condom can be uncomfortable or more fragile. It even risks tearing. Too loose, and it will slip or unroll during intercourse. In short, finding the right size is THE foundation.

The good news? It's easier than you think. Pay attention to the nominal width: it's the most useful indication on the packaging. It will allow you to find a model that is truly adapted to your anatomy, much more effectively than generic mentions like "standard" or "XL" which mean nothing.

And then, to find the right condom, you often have to try several. Just because one model doesn't fit doesn't mean "condoms aren't for me" or "it's too tight." No, it just means that this specific model isn't the right one. Go ahead without guilt, test them, ask for advice at a pharmacy if you are uncomfortable. Pharmacists have seen it all before, believe me.

Which material to choose?

Latex is the most common and cheapest material. But be careful: some people are sensitive or allergic to it. If that's your case, it's better to turn to latex-free models, for example in polyisoprene or polyurethane, which offer protection that is just as effective.

Beyond the basic material, there are plenty of variations: thin, ultra-thin, ribbed, textured, warming, delaying... The best thing is to choose according to what you are really looking for. More discretion? A thin or ultra-thin model. More sensations? A textured version. More comfort? A wider or generously lubricated condom.

Important advice: avoid oil-based products with latex condoms. Coconut oil, petroleum jelly, cream, shea butter, almond oil... all of these can weaken latex and make it porous. With a latex condom, prefer a water-based or silicone-based lubricant; that really is the golden rule.

And then, also think about how you will use it: vaginal intercourse, anal, need for more lubrication, desire for enhanced sensations, frequent use... The right choice also depends on the context and what you are truly looking for.

How to recognize a quality condom?

Always check the expiration date. Yes, a condom expires. No, it is not a detail. A product that is too old can be less reliable because the latex deteriorates over time. If a condom has been expired for a year or two, now is definitely not the time to take that risk.

• Check the condition of the packaging: if it is damaged, punctured, or already opened, forget it immediately. Same thing if it has been hanging around for months at the bottom of a wallet in the sun or next to sharp objects. A compromised package = a product that is no longer reliable.

• Favor reliable brands and products that comply with standards: it is better to choose a condom that meets current standards, sold through a serious channel (pharmacy, recognized site), rather than a dubious product bought on the fly from an unmonitored vending machine.

And then, do not confuse marketing with real compatibility. "Ultra-pleasure," "extreme sensation," "wow effect": that's great for the packaging and creating buzz, but what really counts is the comfort, the fit, and the material. Look more at what you are really looking for than what the marketing is trying to sell you.

And what about the female (internal) condom in all this?

Recently, people have been talking more about the internal condom (female condom or condom for vaginal/anal penetration). Why this change in vocabulary? Because this condom can be used by all genders, especially by gay men in anal intercourse.

The internal condom is made of polyurethane or nitrile, which makes it perfect for people who are allergic to latex. Unlike the external condom, it completely lines the vaginal (or anal) wall, which offers very effective protection against STIs.

The contraceptive effectiveness of the internal condom is about 95% (Inserm), which is not bad at all. However, never combine them with an external condom: the friction between the two can increase the risk of breakage. Choose one or the other.

In terms of access, this is where things get complicated. You can get them in pharmacies, but they are quite expensive (between 2 and 4 euros each, when an external condom costs a few cents). The good news? They are available for free in prevention venues: certain associations, family planning centers, HIV testing centers. Do not hesitate to inquire in your area.

In reality, the internal condom is still very little used, and for several reasons: the price, the lack of availability everywhere, and yes, frankly, it is a bit more difficult to place correctly than an external condom.

But we’re going to tell you something: the mental load of contraception should absolutely not fall only on women. If you are interested in the internal condom (whether you are a woman looking to take charge of your own protection or a gay man), get informed, test it, and don't hesitate to discuss it with your partner.

Whether with an external or internal condom, the important thing is to protect yourself AND to feel good. History shows us: the condom has evolved for millennia to arrive at what it is today. It deserves to be pampered a little, that we take the time to find the right model, and that we use it correctly. Because sex without fear is sex where you can truly enjoy yourself. And that is a right, not a luxury.