03 Feb It’s Condom Month!
It’s Condom Month – who knew there was such a thing?
This month we’re running a Sexual Health Awareness campaign for our residents. Not only will we be providing free condoms in our properties, we are also working with Brook (https://www.brook.org.uk/), to provide helpful advice and guidance on a range of topics from contraception to STIs.
So, where did Condom Month stem from?
Students at the University of California-Berkeley started National Condom Week in 1978, and it has since grown into a key educational and awareness event to promote good sexual health.
Let’s start with some fun condom facts, before we get down to the serious stuff…
1. Condoms are known by lots of different names, but their medical term is prophylactic sheath.
2. Condoms have been around for a long time. The earliest known illustration of a man using a condom is a painting on the wall of a cave in France which dates to 12,000–15,000 years ago.
3. Before latex condoms were developed, other materials such animal and fish skin, linen, leather, and silk were used.
4. The German Military was the first to promote condom use among its soldiers in the late 19th century.
5. Condoms have set multiple records, including the longest condom chain (25,773 condoms tied together), largest condom mosaic (made using 685 condom packs), and of course, the largest condom (72 feet in length).
6. British people are still embarrassed about buying condoms. A survey by Fusion Condoms found 56% of people surveyed were embarrassed to buy them.
7. Condoms are factory-tested with electricity before they leave the factory. An electric current is shot each condom to ensure there are no holes or tears. This is a safety precaution to ensure the quality of the condom.
8. Most condoms will maintain their effectiveness for 4 years, as long as you keep them in a cool, dry place.
9. An average condom can hold a gallon of liquid.
10. The Danish word for condom is svangerskabsforebyggendemiddel. Say that ten times fast!
