10 Shocking Facts You Never Knew About Condoms

Sometimes condoms do get a bad rap, but these 10 interesting condom facts will make you realize that current condom users don't have it too badly after all.

1. They're hardly a new invention.

Condom design and manufacturing has made some impressive advances in the last hundred years, but the condom itself is far from new. The oldest known claim to the use of condoms if actually part of a cave painting in Grotte des Combarrelles in France. The paintings in this cave are estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000 years old.

2. Condoms haven't always covered the full length of the penis.

Prior to the 15th century, men in China placed bits of oiled silk paper over their glans only, and men in Japan used tortoise-shell "caps." Ah, how Japanese condom technology has improved.

3. The first large-scale case of condom use occurred in the 16th century.

Gabriele Fallopio claimed that he invented a linen condom that was soaked in a chemical solution, allowed to dry, and tied on the penis with a ribbon. He tested his condom by having 1,100 men wear them while having intercourse with women infected with the "French Disease" (syphilis) and claimed they didn't contract the disease. We're pretty sure this would violate modern standards of ethical experimentation.

4. The average condom can hold as much as a gallon of liquid.

Of course, that's without the male member in it, but still, very impressive. That lets you know that no matter the level of your guys' output, your condom will keep you covered.

5. Condoms don't actually desensitize men.

We'll admit that this may have been true at one time, but no longer. Today there are condoms that taste delicious (and are actually made with the same kind of flavorings that go in to food), feel amazing, and get both you and your partner to that O so delightful place.

6. The German military was the first large-scale institution to promote condom use among its members.

This was in the late 19th century. Soon after in the 20th century, the American armed forces followed suit. As a result of this action, the rate of STIs was significantly reduced.

7. Condoms are a girl's secret weapon when out for a night on the town.

Whether you're in a committed relationship or a single lady, when you feel that right moment come up and you pull out a ribbed/flavored/barely there condom, that shows the guy that you're confident and not afraid to go after what you want. Super sexy!

8. Condoms have set multiple records.

Some of these records include: Most condoms pulled through the nose at once (3), longest condom chain (25,773 condoms tied together), largest condom mosaic (made using 685 condom packs), and of course, the largest condom (72 feet in length).

9. Many people don't know how to use condoms.

Proper condom use may seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a lot of people out there that are really unsure or confused as to how to properly use a condom. The phrase "can you reuse a condom" produces more than 130,000 results on Google. In fact, the #1 reason for contraceptive failure is user error.

10. People are so afraid of purchasing condoms that they don't want to use them.

One of the top reasons why people are uncomfortable with the idea of condoms is that they immediately associate condoms with the act of purchasing them in a store. The last thing they want to do is run into Pastor Mark or Susie's school teacher while buying a 12-pack of Durex. Want something exotic? Forget it, no chance.

Melissa White is a condom expert and the CEO of Lucky Bloke, a company that raises global awareness about condom use, proper fit, and safety. Melissa educates smart men and women about the benefits of safe sex — and teaches them how to make using condoms fun, too.