What is a condom?

Condoms have been around since the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and they’ve only gotten better with time. As one of the classic barrier methods of contraception (along with female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps), the male condom is a tried-and-true favourite. Whether it’s natural rubber latex or non-latex (like polyisoprene or nitrile), there's a size, style, colour, and even flavour out there for everyone.

And if you’re wondering what condoms do? Well, they’re usually placed on a penis.  When used perfectly (yep, that means every time), condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and they’re a reliable shield against STIs including HIV, making them the multitasking superheroes of protection. In fact, one of their big benefits has been lowering the spread of HIV. You can use them during vaginal, anal, or oral sex—and even on toys.

And yes, condoms have a wild backstory. Ancient Egyptians dyed them and used them to protect against bilharzia. Romans used animal bladders. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and Charles Goodyear is making latex condoms a thing.