The development and use of condoms did not really take off until the mid 1800s. Before that time it is thought that condoms had been used in some ancient cultures such as Egypt, Rome and China. But the technology of condom production after the Roman era remained basically the same for at least 1500 years. This relatively primitive technology meant that condoms were both expensive and relatively ineffective. And therefore condom use among the population was quite limited.

In fact, during the so-called "Dark Ages" in Europe - after the fall of the Roman Empire in roughly 475 AD until the Renaissance in the 1400 and 1500s - condom use in Europe is hardly mentioned in any existing literature from the period. It took a devastating syphilis epidemic throughout Europe and Asia in the late 1400s to awaken an interest in developing effective condoms. Initially scientists such as Gabriele Falloppio of Italy were interested in the condom as a way to stop the spread of syphilis. But gradually - over the official objections of the Catholic Church -the condom was seen an effective device for birth control as well.

In his tract called "De Morbo Gallico" (The French Disease), Falloppio had shown how the use of an early condom design prevented the spread of syphilis in more than 1000 experimental subject males. The condoms consisted of a cover over the glans of the penis. It was made of linen soaked in certain chemicals and tied on with a ribbon.

By the early 1700s the use of condoms had become much more common, especially in England where the opposition and condemnation of the Catholic Church did not carry the same weight. Throughout Europe condoms were being made and sold in a variety of styles, sizes, and qualities and made from the traditional chemical-treated linen, as well as "skin" - animal bladder or intestine which had been softened with a sulphur and lye treatment.

There are many different types of contraceptive techniques a sexually active couple can use. Widely used methods include well-known things such as pills, injections and implants.

Condoms are probably the best known and perhaps the most widely used method of contraception around the world.

All contraceptive techniques are reasonably effective, but the use of a condom is generally considered the easiest, least expensive, and most effective method of contraception, all things considered. When used correctly, condoms can have additioal health and safety benefits as well.

Here are a number of reasons why the use of condoms is preferred by many people over other types of contraceptives:

1. Condoms are widely available and are relatively inexpensive. They can be purchased in most pharmacies, shopping malls, supermarkets and convenience centers. Condoms can also be ordered online.

2. Condoms are much easier to use than most of the alternatives. There is no need for a doctor or nurse when using a condom.

3. On average, condoms are as high as 98% effective in preventing conception.

4. There is no need to mess with your body by taking a drug that alters natural processes.

5. Virtually all other methods of contraception have side effects. Condoms do not have side effects.

6. Condoms are the only method of contraception that also protects both sexual partners from passing infections to each other. The most obvious example is the transmission of HIV-Aids. When used correctly condoms are a highly effective barrier against the transmission of HIV-Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.

7. Condoms are also widely known to be the most effective way to protect women from cancer of the cervix.

For these reasons condoms are generally accepted to be the most effective, most natural, and most reliable form of contraception available.

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