At what point did condoms evolve from a post-coital treatment for syphilis, to something worn during intercourse to prevent venereal diseases and/or pregnancy?
I've seen multiple sources cite Gabriele Falloppio as authoring the earliest uncontested description of condom use. According to this article, Falloppio described a linen sheath soaked in medication, to be used after intercourse to cure syphilis.
At what point did people realize that preventing venereal diseases (or pregnancy) required a barrier during intercourse?
Posted Feb 25, 2026, 5:40 AM UTC
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