- According to Ensanut, only 44.5% of men and 30.8% of women used the male condom as a contraceptive method in their last sexual relationship.
- At the beginning of 2023, Cofepris published a health alert for the identification of counterfeit condoms.
- Currently, Mexico ranks first in adolescent pregnancies in the world.
The condom is an effective and accessible tool that provides reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases and in favor of family planning by avoiding unwanted pregnancies. Despite this, today some people refuse to use it based on prejudices such as loss of sensitivity during sexual intercourse.
In Mexico the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 revealed that less than 50% of the sexually active population used a condom during their last sexual relationship. Only 44.5% of men and 30.8% of women confirmed having used it, although the figure is low, it had a significant increase to what was reported in ENSANUT 2012.
The figures reveal that there is still much to be done in terms of sexual education, especially in adolescents, since it is crucial in life since it has implications for their future, such as assuming new roles and patterns of behavior that will have effects on their sexual health and reproductive.
Curious facts about the history of the condom
Due to the above and based on the importance of sexual education, Trojan shares some curious facts about the history of the condom:
- In mythology there is talk of the use of a goat’s bladder by Pasiphae, wife of King Minos of Crete, who was said to ejaculate snakes and scorpions.
- Cave paintings dating from AD 100-200 at Les Combarelles in France record early attempts at protection during sexual intercourse.
- The origin of the name is still disputed and it is believed that King Charles II of England commissioned Dr. Cundum or Condom to manufacture covers with sheep gut and other animal tissues.
- The word condom was adopted as it comes from the Latin meaning receptacle.
- Different materials have been used throughout history, from leather, plant tissues and even animal intestines.
- In the 1,500s Gabriel Fallopius invented a linen cover in the wake of a syphilis epidemic that swept across Europe that also worked to prevent pregnancy.
- It was not until 1839, when there was a true milestone in the history of the male condom thanks to advances in the rubber industry, a material that allowed its mass production, availability, as well as greater effectiveness and comfort in the protection against sexually transmitted diseases. .
- From 1900 until the start of World War I, almost all of the condoms used in Europe were imported from Germany.
- In 1920, the Youngs Rubber Company, founded by a 33-year-old businessman named Merle Youngs, introduced its brand name, TROJAN.
- The use of latex in the 20th century marked a turning point as its preparation was simpler, its use more practical and safe, as well as accessible to all sexually active people.
“As far as condoms are concerned, technological progress was key, latex not only provided greater protection but has also allowed us to innovate in terms of shapes, textures and even sensations. At Trojan we recently presented our Ringed Textured version that seeks to increase stimulation through of the textured rings present throughout the entire length of the condom.” added Rodolfo Rodríguez Sexual Health Manager of Trojan Mexico.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of this device since they have not only played an essential role in the fight against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, but it continues to be the best barrier method and effective tool in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and in empowering people by giving them control over their sexual health and well-being.
Also read:
Cofepris performs these tests to verify the quality of condoms
Sexual health: 13% of couples use condoms in all their relationships
Cofepris warns against counterfeit condoms: This is how you can identify them