No matter what your views on condoms are, you can’t deny that it is still one of the most effective birth control contraception out there.

Condoms are also very effective in helping stop the spread of sexually transmitted disease and to some extent, prevent the rise of HIV cases.

So, instead of viewing condoms as a subject of taboo, we should learn more about them so that we know how important they are in today’s society.

To help you break the taboo, here are some interesting condom facts that you probably didn’t know about:

#1 They’ve been around for a very, very long time

If you thought condoms were a modern-day invention, well, you thought wrong. Although historians could not pinpoint exactly when condoms were first made (or which genius made it), they, however, found a drawing dating back to 11,000 B.C. in a French cave.

The painting depicts a man engaging in some sexy time, with him wearing some sort of animal skin for protection. See, guys; even really, really, really ancient people practiced safe sex, so why shouldn’t you?

#2 Originally, condoms were not made of rubber

Back in the old days, condoms were literally just linen soaked in ‘medicines’. Later on, in the late 18th century, animal intestines (those of a lamb was super popular, we don’t know why) became a popular substitute for linen condoms.

These animal intestines condoms were so expensive, those who bought them often reused them (which is something you should never, ever do, guys!). At the time, there were seen as a luxury for the wealthy.

#3 The founder of Goodyear Tires played an important role

Well, Charles Goodyear did not actually invent the modern condom, but he did play a very important role in making it more affordable and accessible. In 1839, Goodyear invented the rubber vulcanisation, a process which was used to harden rubber.

By 1855, several major rubber companies were mass producing rubber condoms. Despite the milestone, rubber condoms (that’s how the ‘rubber’ nickname came about, in case you were wondering) weren’t exactly the solution, as they easily fell off and only covered the top of the penis.

#4 Condoms have a shelf life of up to four years

If you’ve bought a box of condoms a couple of years back but you didn’t find a reason to use it (ahem!), fret not. Condoms typically can maintain their effectiveness for a period of four years, as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place.

However, before you put one on, do check if there are any holes or if the rubber has lost its integrity, because that would be a really big, really expensive mistake.

#5 Manufacturers test condoms by using electricity

Yep, that’s right; before a pack of condoms leave the factory, manufacturers test it by shooting an electric current through it. This is to ensure that there are no tears or holes in it, as well as to test out the quality of the condom.

So, you could say that a condom can even withstand the power of Zeus.

Now that you know a little more about the rubber (you’re welcome!), it is important that you get the right one the next time you stock up.

And if you’re looking for a condom brand that you can trust, it is none other than Okamoto.

Established in 1934, Okamoto is Japan’s number one condom brand, and for a good reason too.

Okamoto has a strong track record of producing and manufacturing condoms using state-of-the-art materials, equipment and testing procedures.

They are also well-known around the world for producing the absolute thinnest, strongest, most reliable and smoothest condoms, for a more natural feeling for both partners.

In fact, Okamoto is also the manufacturer of one of the world’s thinnest condom range.

Made using a super thin and super strong material called sheerlon – a product of endless hours of research and development – Okamoto is the first condom brand to break through the industry’s limit of 0.05mm.

That’s right; their thinnest rubber is just 0.038mm! It’s like you’re not even wearing anything, but you can be sure that it’s strong and safe enough for your nightly activities.