Just Jump in for a smile, a laugh, a tear, lessons. Just basically LIFE in a few words... : R18

I was just thinking about random stuff and the thought to school some of these pervy minded brothers on their favorite toy popped up, and besides I know that about 70% or more of the youth's population in Nigeria barely pay attention to the news, science, history and even inventions, they're primarily interested in music and fashion; but I don't think it's out of place to know where stuff you use basically all the time come from; so please read, learn and enjoy...

Ancient Times

Throughout the ages people have tried to find ways of preventing conception and venereal diseases. Obvious methods, such as withdrawal, the rhythm method, douches and sponges were used, as were various predecessors of today's condom. In ancient Egypt a linen sheath was used as protection against troublesome insects and tropical diseases. The Chinese tried to prevent infection by wrapping oiled silk paper around the penis, and the Japanese had leather and tortoiseshell sheaths. The Romans used tampons that had been dipped in herbs and condoms made of goats' bladders.

Middle Ages

The history of condoms in Europe begins in the sixteenth century, when the venereal disease syphilis reached epidemic proportions. In 1564, the Italian doctor Gabriel Falloppio wrote in the book 'Morbo Gallico', that a linen bag drenched in a solution of salt or herbs formed a protection against the disease. In the eighteenth century linen and silk condoms were used, as well as sheaths made of lambs' and goats' gut. To prevent them slipping off, a ribbon on the open end of the condom was tied around the penis. The sheaths made of bladder or gut could be used more than once; in contemporary paintings and prints they are some-times seen hanging on a hook or a clothes line to dry.

Origin of the name

The word condom is probably derived from Latin "condus" meaning receptacle. Another explanation is that the gut condom was invented by the English army doctor Colonel Quondam in around 1645 and that the word is a corruption of his name. We do not know who invented condoms, but we do know that they were in use. There is evidence of this in the writings of Marquis de Sade, Casanova and James Boswell. The latter, a Scottish lawyer and writer, protected himself against sexually transmitted diseases by using a linen condom. During a visit to an Amsterdam brothel in 1764, he drank with a prostitute, but the encounter went no further as he'd left his "armour" behind. When visiting a brothel in Marseilles, Casanova tried so-called "English raincoats", and spoke of reaching great heights.

Specialty Shop

The concept of a specialised condom shop such as Condomerie® Het Gulden Vlies is not a new one. In the 18th century, there was already a condom shop in Amsterdam. In The Hague, the trader Mathijs van Mordechay Cohen sold "condons" that he made himself from lambs' bladders and ribbons.  In the middle of the eighteenth century, trade in condoms thrived in London. At the centre of this activity were two ladies, Mrs Phillips and Mrs Perkins. They each had a condom shop and openly competed with each other in their pamphlets. Mrs Phillips also ran a wholesale company on Half Moon Street on the Strand. The two women both had large stocks of bladders, sheaths and other contraceptives, which they sold to apothecaries, travellers and ambassadors. The ladies used rhymes to advertise their products, showing evidence of a liberal and enlightened mind. For the less well-to-do there was a certain Miss Jenny, who sold washed second-hand condoms.

Latex condoms

In 1839, Charles Goodyear discovered a way of processing natural rubber, which is too stiff when cold and too soft when warm, in such a way as to make it elastic. This had advantages for making condoms; unlike the sheeps' gut condoms, they could stretch and did not tear so quickly when used. Those very early rubbers had a seam and were as thick as an inner tube, so they could not have been very comfortable. Besides this type, small rubber condoms covering only the glans were often used in England and the United States. There was more risk of losing them, of course, and if the rubber ring was too tight, it would constrict the penis. This condom was the original "capote" (French for condom), perhaps because of its similarity to a woman's bonnet worn at the time, also called a capote. A century later it was hoped the invention of plastic and other man-made materials would lead to an improvement in the quality of condoms. That was not the case. What could be done however, was something about the speedy deterioration of the rubber. Since that time, condoms have not only become thinner but also more reliable. In 1995, plastic condoms went on the market in the USA.

Manufacturing

Latex, the sap from a rubber tree is the raw material for condoms. It is obtained by making a slanted cut in the bark of the tree. A bucket is hung under the cut which catches the sap. It is a continual and labour intensive process. More than 80% of rubber is used in the car industry, mainly for tyres. Rubber plantations are primarily located in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast.  The production of condoms from latex is relatively simple and since 1920, has virtually remained unchanged.  In the condom factory, a large vat is filled with latex and various chemicals are added to ensure the durability of the end product. Next, a row of glass moulds (in the form of condoms), suspended from a conveyor belt, are plunged into the latex, a technique known as "dipping". The moulds go through a series of latex dips, turning themselves around to insure even distribution and a thin layer of latex. Between each dip, they are dried with hot air and vulcanised. This treatment insures optimal malleability, elasticity and durability. The condoms are then released by a powerful water-jet spray. Next, in the finishing phase, the condoms are dried and powdered. They then go through a series of proceedures to test their quality. Afterwards a lubricant may be added and they are packaged in a hygenic, airtight aluminium pack. During the entire production process the condoms are constantly undergoing quality controls, like the elektronic leaktest (ElectroLyte WaterTest - ELWT).

Function

Condoms come in all kinds of sizes, colours, shapes, flavours, for all kinds of purposes. In the Dutch Rubber Condom Decree the condom is described as "an object, by its nature intended to be fitted over the male member for the purpose of preventing conception or infection during intercourse". This sets down two important functions. In the course of time, the emphasis shifted from the prevention of venereal disease to contraception. Today avoiding infection from sexually transmitted diseases is more dominant.  For this reason, more condoms providing extra protection are now available. These extra strong condoms come in several sizes and can be used for both anal and vaginal intercourse.

Types of condoms

The condom is a thin and very flexible little cylinder made of latex. The closed end is either rounded or contains a small pocket to hold the sperm. There are also pre-shaped condoms. Besides ordinary condoms, there are condoms that not only cover the penis but the testicles as well. Condoms are mostly transparent or pink. Besides latex condoms there are still sheeps' gut condoms, so-called skin condoms. They can be used by people who are hypersensitive to latex. Skin condoms are not elastic and provide no protection against STD. They should only be used for contraception. Furthermore there is a condom for women. This consists of a small bag made from polyurethane that is held in place by a soft ring outside the vagina and a harder ring inside at the top of the vagina. Since 1995 there are also "male condoms" from polyurethane available.

Lubricants

Latex condoms are powdered. They are either packaged dry or with a lubricant (with or without a spermicide). Smooth sliding can be enhanced by a water-based lubricant. An oil or alcohol-based product can damage the material of the condom, so these should not be used. Sometimes spermicidal lubricants are added.  A spermicide can, however, damage the latex after a period of time. Consequently a condom that contains it has a shorter shelf life.  Above all, spermicides can evoke allergic reactions in some people. An anti-virus chemical, nonoxynol 9, is sometimes added to a spermicidal lubricant which can also lead to hypersensitive reactions. In addition there is a lubricant that contains a numbing agent, effective in delaying ejaculation.

Quality standards

The ISO, International Standards Organisation, has established quality standards for condoms, which are described in ISO 4074. The majority of condoms adhere to the ISO standard. In The Netherlands, stricter requirements were placed on the quality of condoms. These are laid down in the Rubber Condom Decree (dated 18/8/1979, pg. nr. 498) which is part of the Medical Resources Act. Besides the intense controls placed on condoms during manufacturing, they are again tested in laboratories recognised by the Dutch government (for example: TNO in Delft). Only after the condoms pass these legal quality requirements are they released for sale. Presently the European standard EN 600 is in effect in The Netherlands and Europe. The most important requirements are as follows: a condom must be sufficiently leak-proof and strong enough to withstand heavy use. The condoms are controlled through random testing for, among other things, strength and leakage. Condoms passing the test remain reliable for up to 5 years after the production date if they are stored in a cool, dark place (but not in the refrigerator). Condoms are individually packaged in airtight plastic or aluminium packets. They are sold in boxes, folders or cans and are accompanied by instructions for use. The last expiry date must also be stated on the pack. All condoms are meant to be used only once. The ISO and European standards do not apply to fun and fantasy condoms, which are available in all the colours of the rainbow, with ribs, little hands or roosters combs and are meant to inspire laughter and lust. Fantasy condoms are definitely not recommended as protection devices as they are not tested and there are absolutely no guarantees of their effectiveness.
Condoms never offer 100% safety, but used properly they are very reliable and give good protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.