What were the first condoms made of?

Sofie

In 16th century Italy, Gabriele Falloppio authored the first-known published description of condom use for disease prevention. He recommended soaking cloth sheaths in a chemical solution and allowing them to dry prior to use. The oldest condoms found (rather than just pictures or descriptions) are from 1640, discovered in Dudley Castle in England. They were made of animal intestine, and it is believed they were used for STD prevention. In 19th century Japan, both leather condoms and condoms made of tortoise shells or horns were available. The rubber vulcanization process was patented by Charles Goodyear in 1844, and the first rubber condom was produced in 1855. These early rubber condoms were 1-2mm thick and had seams down the sides. Although they were reusable, these early rubber condoms were also expensive. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom#History Aug 25 07, 4:27 AM

supersal1

Tortoise shells? Horns?!!!! And they were the good old days? Aug 25 07, 5:40 AM

zbeckabee

1000 BC -- LINEN SHEATH -- Condom use can be traced back several thousand years. It is known that around 1000 BC the ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease. A reasonably decent history follows at: http://www.avert.org/condoms.htm Aug 25 07, 9:31 AM