Condoms have been around for thousands of years, but the earliest condoms weren't actually meant for sex. It wasn't until Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanized rubber in 1839 that the condom became popular.
First Condom
Condoms were first used in Europe in 1564 by the anatomist Fallopia (after whom the fallopian tubes are named).

In the 16th century, condoms were used primarily to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. By the 18th century, the condom's reputation in society had come to be considered a tool of dandies, whores, and more.

Condoms were only available to the working class in the 19th century, thanks to Mr. Goodyear's discovery of vulcanized rubber in 1839.
In Japan and China, condoms first appeared before the 15th century.

The reality is that 20th-century birth control activist and proponent of active eugenics Marie Stopes introduced the first female condom in 1923. It is made of thick vulcanized rubber with steel coil edges. Like other rubber contraceptives of the time, it could be washed and reused.

Released in 1993, the first modern female condom had problems from the start. Women thought it looked weird and worried that it would "rustle" during use.
In 1998, manufacturer Wisconsin Pharmacal received a petition from Zimbabwe that 30,000 women signed to make condoms available in their country. In places where women have little access to health care, female-controlled condoms can be inserted and reused hours before sex.