Used since 15000 years ago, condoms have now become the world’s most beloved method of contraception. Contrary to popular belief, 40 per cent of condoms are sold to women. Another crazy fact: the oldest condoms were made of pig’s intestines! Grossed out? So were we. But not only this, there are many such unknown facts about your favourite condoms that you need to know. So, here we bring to you seven such unknown facts about condoms which will shock you, gross you and of course, increase your knowledge about condoms.
* Yes, why should men only be responsible for buying condoms? You will be happy to know that according to recent data, 40 per cent condoms are sold to women, to the proactive women who take the responsibility for their and their partner’s sexual health. Good job ladies!
* Valentine’s Day is all about hearts and chocolates. But the data says there are around 87 condoms used per second on 14th February. The data surely gives this day its second name, that is, National Condom Day.
* Condoms are also called jimmes, which is a simpler name. But the official word for condoms for Danish people is svangerskabsforebyggendemiddel. Though they have a common term used for it, which is gummimand.
* As we love to nickname our condoms, forget jimmies and gummimand, a used condom is called a scumbag. As the name explains itself, a used condom that has semen of a man is called a scumbag. The term was coined in the 1960s.
* An Austrian museum still has the world's oldest surviving condom, which was made in 1640. It’s a Swedish condom made of pig’s intestine. It is also said that these condoms were made to bathe in hot milk to make them germ-free before use. Other materials used to make condoms back then were animals bladder, fish skin, animals horns, oiled silk paper and tortoise shell.