National Condom Week begins February 14th just in time to coincide with Valentines Day!

The modern latex rubber condom has only existed in its present form for about 100 years.  Condom use can be traced back to around 1000 B.C.

Early variants were made of linen,animal skin, and other rudimentary material that offered little in the way of disease protection.  “Condom” use can be traced back to around 1000 B.C.

Promotion of condom use has been difficult over the years. 1873's Comstock Law prohibited advertising condoms and other birth control devices. This anti-condom stance lasted well into the early 20^th century.

World War II saw condoms widely distributed to troops to control the spread of the dreaded “VD.”

Condom use increased through the mid 1960 and dropped off sharply for the next two decades until HIV/AIDS was identified as being a disease that was primarily spread through intercourse.  They still remain one of the single best methods of protection against HIV,Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis.

Today lubricated condoms dominate the market. They come in all variations including glow in the dark, colored, flavored, ribbed, extra sensitive, extra thin, and even male condoms with print.

For people with latex allergies non-latex male condoms are available as well as female condoms made from a similar material.

Condoms are great for both vaginal and anal sex, although using flavored lubricants/and flavored condoms for these purposes should be avoided as they could increase the risk of a yeast infection.

From a safety aspect condoms should be stored in places where they won't experience extremes in temperature either. Also make sure you use them with plenty of water based or silicone lubricants. Never use oil based lube with latex condoms.

So go out and pick some condoms up today. They are available at AIDS Care, a number of bars, health centers, barber shops, and other places. If you have a favorite place you would like to see condoms at drop us a note!