International Condom Day Date in the current year: February 13, 2024

Condoms are among the oldest effective means of contraception known to humanity. With proper use, they significantly reduce the probability of an unplanned pregnancy and decrease the risk of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, and HIV/AIDS.

Some archaeologists and historians claim that condoms were used in ancient civilizations, but there’s no reliable evidence to back up this claim. During the Renaissance, condoms were made out of animal intestines and bladder or out of linen soaked in a special solution. These early condoms were used mainly for syphilis prevention rather than birth control.

Condoms became much more common during the 18th century, although there were people who spoke against their use, mostly because they thought that contraception was immoral. The invention of the rubber vulcanization process revolutionized the production of condoms, and by the end of 19th century “rubber” had become a common euphemism for condoms.

Another breakthrough in the condom market happened in 1920, when latex (rubber suspended in water) was invented. Latex condoms were easier to produce, thinner and stronger than rubber condoms, and had a much longer shelf life. Today, latex is the most popular condom material. Non-latex condoms are usually made from polyurethane. Polyurethane condoms are considered better than latex ones in several ways, but they have their drawbacks as well.

When used properly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective birth control methods. In addition, they have an important advantage compared to other forms of contraception: condoms are the only birth control method that also helps prevent sexually transmitted infections. They should be used in situations when the probability of an unplanned pregnancy is low, but STD protection is still required.

Unfortunately, the use of condoms is discouraged in many parts of the world because of local cultural attitudes towards sexual activity, contraception, and gender roles, which leads to higher unplanned pregnancy and STI rates. International Condom Day was established to emphasize the importance of condoms and combat stigma associated with them.

International Condom Day (ICD) is supported and promoted by a number of healthcare organizations, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). It aims to promote safer sex and to encourage people to use condoms as the most affordable way to avoid unplanned pregnancies, STDs and HIV. ICD is marked with various events and activities including lectures, discussions, performances, free HIV testing in mobile vans, free condom giveaways, and more.

In addition to International Condom Day, there’s World Contraception Day celebrated on September 26. Its mission is to improve awareness of contraception among young people and to enable them to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.