National Condom Day: 14 February 2026

Condoms are one of the oldest contraceptives around, and have helped to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections – humans invented them before we knew what germs were, and before we even had electricity! They’ve been found across the globe – Ancient Egypt used fine linen, and in Ancient Rome they used sheep or goat intestines. In Ancient China they used silk paper, and in Ancient Japan they used tortoiseshell. In the mid-1800s, they were made out of rubber (and could be washed and reused…).

Thankfully, condoms today are made out of latex (or polyurethane if you have an allergy!), and come in different sizes, colours, with studs or ribs, flavours, and more. Condoms aren’t a barrier to pleasure or fun, but are a way to increase safety, pleasure and fun with sex.