Where Do My Condoms Come From?

Condoms are one of those things we often just buy without thinking about everything that happens before they end up on the shelf of a store. Where are they coming from? Who makes them? How are they made? Why are they medical devices? Testing…. what testing? There are so many different steps and processes involved in getting a condom from the sap of a tree to something for enhancing pleasure and offering protection.

Condom Manufacturer

Karex is the world’s largest condom manufacturer. They began condom production in Malaysia in the 1980s. Prior to that, they were a rubber tree farm and factory started in the late 1800s. The HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s saw a huge global public health promotion in the use of condoms. Karex began manufacturing condoms to help fill the global need for them. They also began manufacturing latex gloves, but condoms have continued to be the bulk of production of the plants. Karex produces more than 5 billion condoms a year and exports them to over 140 countries. They make condoms for ONE brand, Durex, and many other well-known condom lines.

Testing of Condoms

Karex manufacturing begins with the raw latex products right through to the finished condoms. This includes both manufacturing and testing. The testing process for condoms is both rigorous and regulated. Because condoms are considered medical devices due to claims of reducing transmission of infections and as a prophylactic, they fall under strict guidelines regarding manufacturing, testing, packaging and shelf life. Each condom is tested for holes. There are burst tests, tensile and tear tests, water tests, shelf-life tests, and reports and documentation for every lot made. All condom foils have a lot number and expiry date. This lot number ties into all the testing reports for access to them at any time.

Lube Made Here Too!

Karex also manufactures personal lubricants. The lubricant is manufactured for both use in the condoms and for individual marketing sales. They make water-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants, hybrid lubricants, flavored lubricants, scented lubricants and medical lubricants as well. The different lubricants are packaged in pump bottles, tubes, and foil pillows for single use applications.

Changing The Role of the Condom

Condoms have changed over time in what function people view them as filling. They began for many as a means of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancies. The shift came at different times to see them as a medical device for prevention of infections. The rise of STIs during different time periods, such as World War II, shows a shift in the marketing of why to use a condom. Today condoms are seen as a pleasure enhancing device as well. The wide array of styles, flavors, and types of condoms speaks to this newer role the condom also fills. The safety of condoms is assumed by many users with the stringent regulations associated with them, so this allows for added attributes to enhance pleasure. Your options are many! Try different sizes, styles and types to see what works best for you!