What is a Condom?
A condom is a sheath made of thin and elastic rubber used during sexual intercourse. It is worn by men over the penis and is used to prevent pregnancy and the onset of sexually transmitted diseases. Other terms used for condoms are rubber and prophylactic. A condom blocks the male’s semen from entering a vagina or a sexual partner’s reproductive organ.
Discovered evidences show that Egyptians have been using condoms for contraception or ritual purposes since 150 AD. In the 1500s, a published description of a condom was found in Italy. Soaking cloth in a certain chemical solution and drying the cloth before use have proven to be effective against syphilis.
In 1855, Charles Goodyear produced the first condom made from rubber. These rather thick devices were reusable but expensive. It was only 1912 that thinner condoms were developed in Germany.
The male condom is worn around the penis while the penis is in its excited state, meaning it is erect. It comes rolled in a small flat package. Before putting it on, a small space at tip of the condom must left to allow space to collect semen. After ejaculation, the penis must be pulled out the vagina before it softens to prevent semen from accidentally entering the vagina. A used condom must be properly disposed of after intercourse and must be used once only.
A person, male of female, may develop allergies to latex, the material from which condoms are made. The penis or the vagina may also get irritated from lubricants used in some condoms.