Condoms have had a very colourful and sometimes controversial history, particularly in North America.
Condoms, in different forms, and other methods of birth control have been around for centuries. Early contraceptives used whatever materials were available, including animal intestines, linen, silk, and other natural materials.
However, the history of condoms in North America began to change dramatically in the 1800s with the development of vulcanized rubber. Rubber condoms became commercially available by the mid-1800s, helping pave the way for the modern condom industry.
The Mass Production of Condoms
The general perception of the Victorian era is not usually one of open sexuality or easy access to contraceptives. But the reality was a little more complicated.
The development of vulcanized rubber made it possible to manufacture rubber condoms on a much larger scale. By the later 1800s, condoms and other sexual health products could be purchased through pharmacies, doctors, retailers, and mail-order businesses.
So, for a time, condoms became increasingly accessible.
Then came the Comstock Act.
The Comstock Act and Condoms
Anthony Comstock led an anti-obscenity movement in the United States that resulted in Congress passing the Comstock Act in 1873.
The law restricted the mailing of contraceptives, contraceptive information, and other materials considered “obscene.” As a result, accessing and openly advertising condoms and other forms of birth control became much more difficult.
But it certainly didn’t make condoms disappear.
People and businesses found ways to work around the restrictions. One approach was to promote condoms for disease prevention rather than contraception.
From Contraception to STI Prevention
As scientists learned more about germs and how infections spread, condoms began to take on another important role.
Instead of being promoted only as contraception, they could also be discussed as protection against disease.
World War I made this issue especially visible. Gonorrhea and syphilis were widespread among troops, and sexually transmitted infections became a major military health concern. Although condoms were not routinely distributed to U.S. troops during World War I, attitudes changed over the following decades.
By World War II, condoms were much more commonly distributed to soldiers as part of efforts to reduce sexually transmitted infections.
The role of the condom was changing.
Condom Packaging and Safer Sex
As condoms became associated with STI prevention, their packaging and messaging also changed.
Instead of focusing on pleasure or contraception, many condoms were marketed around protection, safety, and disease prevention.
By the 1930s, latex had also transformed condom manufacturing. Latex condoms were thinner, more reliable, and easier to mass-produce than earlier rubber versions. During this period, quality standards and testing requirements for condoms also began to develop in the United States.
During World War II, condom messaging became even more direct. Protecting yourself from infection was presented as part of protecting your health while serving your country.
Condoms Today: Protection and Pleasure
Today, condoms remain an important part of safer-sex practices, but the way we think about them has continued to evolve.
Condoms are used as contraception and can help reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. At the same time, they are now available in different sizes, materials, flavours, textures, and styles designed with pleasure and personal preference in mind.
The condom has moved from something hidden and controversial to a widely recognized sexual health product.
With so many options available today, condoms can be both functional and fun.
Their history has certainly been colourful and controversial—and, just like attitudes toward sexual health, the story of condoms continues to evolve.
References
- Amy, J.-J., & Thiery, M. (2015). The condom: A turbulent history. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. PubMed
- National Library of Medicine. (1992). A condom sense approach to AIDS prevention: A historical perspective. PubMed. PubMed
- Salganicoff, A., et al. (2025). Contraception coverage policy in the United States: History and current challenges. National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central.