Condoms
Condoms have been around for centuries in some form or another. But the condoms of today are a lot different than the condoms of earlier years. Condoms have been made with animal horns, animal intestines, silk, tortoise shells, horns, linen, and many other types of materials. The existence of condoms has been documented throughout history and can be found in cave drawings to literary excerpts. But at the end of it all, condoms have been used to help prevent the transmission of infections throughout.
Types of Condoms
Today, there are many different types of condoms available.
The first widely marketed rubber condoms appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1930s, condom manufacturing had grown significantly, and manufacturers were producing millions of condoms.
Lubricated condoms became available in the 1950s. Today, consumers can choose between lubricated and non-lubricated options, although lubricated condoms are more common.
Condoms can also be made from different materials, including:
- Latex
- Polyisoprene
- Polyurethane
- Lambskin
Latex and certain synthetic condoms can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections when used correctly and consistently. Lambskin condoms can help prevent pregnancy, but they are not recommended for STI prevention because the natural membrane does not provide the same protection against infectious agents.
Condom Styles
There is a condom style to meet many different needs and preferences.
Condom options may include:
- Straight-walled
- Lubricated
- Non-lubricated
- Coloured
- Flavoured
- Ribbed or studded
- Glow-in-the-dark
- Printed or decorative
- Ultra-thin
- Extra-large
- Snugger fit
- Pleasure-shaped
- Tingling
Most condoms are designed for safer sex, but some novelty products are intended only for entertainment. Always check the packaging to make sure the product is approved for the purpose you intend to use it for.
Condoms are Medical Devices
In Canada, condoms are regulated as medical devices.
Natural rubber latex condoms are classified as Class II medical devices, while some non-latex condoms and internal condoms may fall into higher-risk classifications depending on the product and intended use.
Because they are medical devices, condoms must meet requirements related to manufacturing, testing, packaging and labelling.
Manufacturers test condoms for characteristics such as:
- Strength
- Stretching ability
- Burst pressure and volume
- Freedom from holes
- Package integrity
- Size and dimensions
Natural rubber latex condoms also follow international standards such as ISO 4074, which sets requirements and test methods for quality and performance.
There is a lot of testing and science behind the production of a condom, no matter the style or material.
Pamco is licensed with Health Canada and offers a wide range of condom brands, types and styles to support different needs and preferences.
One factual correction I would definitely make from the original: prescription medications should not be listed as medical devices. Drugs and medical devices are regulated as different product categories in Canada.
Also, I would avoid saying simply “Condoms are a Class II medical device”, because that is only fully accurate for latex condoms. Health Canada’s classification guidance specifically places latex condoms in Class II, while female/internal condoms and non-latex condoms intended to prevent transmission of infectious agents can be Class III.
References
- Health Canada. (n.d.). Condoms and dental dams. Government of Canada. Canada
- Health Canada. (2015). Guidance on the risk-based classification system for non-in vitro diagnostic devices. Government of Canada. Canada
- International Organization for Standardization. (2026). ISO 4074:2026 — Natural rubber latex male condoms: Requirements and test methods. ISO
- JSTOR Daily. (2017). A short history of the condom.