Animal Intestines

At first glance, this item may not be recognizable as a condom; after all, it looks nothing like the condoms we commonly see today (fig. 1).

This condom is representative of premodern condoms. It consists of two parts that deserve our attention. The main part appears to be very thin and soft, most likely translucent. At the end of it, there are two curved ribbons with a completely different, parallel striped texture from the main part. The question is: what exactly are these two parts made of?

This condom is made from an animal membrane, possibly pig or sheep intestines. The earliest known membrane condom dates from around 1645 and was found in a latrine of the keep at Dudley Castle, in the West Midlands, England (fig. 2). This excavation is the earliest clear physical evidence of the use of animal membrane condoms in post-medieval Europe.

On why animal membranes were chosen to make condoms, we offer three speculations based on the sources. First, the texture of animal membranes is thin and soft, allowing for a better fit to the sexual organ. Second, animal membranes are waterproof, which avoids or significantly reduces the exchange of bodily fluids that accompanies sexual intercourse, thus reducing the possibility of contracting diseases and preventing pregnancies. Third, animal membranes are very accessible and inexpensive. Sheep intestines are available at any butcher or sausage supplier (fig. 3). One sheep's intestines is enough to make dozens of condoms. And the ribbons that hold the condoms in place and prevent them from slipping off the penis can be easily bought from millers or haberdashers at very low prices.

Even with the low cost of raw materials, these condoms were not a cheap commodity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Only gentlemen would consider buying these condoms to protect themselves. Because of their high cost, these condoms were not disposable but were cleaned and stored properly after use. The reuse of condoms made it impossible to guarantee their safety.