History of condoms

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/history-of-condoms

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the earliest documented materials?Chemically treated linen and animal tissue (intestine or bladder)
2. What is the vulcanization of rubber?Mid-19th century, enabling mass production and improved reliability
3. What were the first condoms made of?They were made from animal intestines, bladders, or chemically treated linen. These materials were cleaned, shaped, and used as a protective sheath.
4. Why did people start using condoms in the 1500s?People used them to avoid pregnancy and protect themselves from diseases like syphilis, which was a big concern in Europe at that time.

Barrier Contraception: Methods that physically block sperm from reaching an egg.
Syphilis: A serious sexually transmitted infection that can have severe health consequences.
HIV/AIDS Pandemic: A global epidemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Reproductive Health: The state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to the reproductive system and its functions.