The<unk>  goes back at least several centuries, and perhaps beyond. For most of their history,<unk>  have been used both as a method of birth control, and as a protective measure against venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and more recently HIV/AIDS.<unk>  have been made from a variety of materials; prior to the 19th century, chemically treated linen and animal tissue (intestine or bladder) are the best documented varieties. Rubber<unk>  gained popularity in the mid-19th century, and in the early 20th century major advances were made in manufacturing techniques. Prior to the introduction of the combined oral contraceptive pill,<unk>  were the most popular birth control method in the Western world. In the second half of the 20th century, the low cost of<unk>  contributed to their importance in family planning programs throughout the developing world.<unk>  have also become increasingly important in efforts to fight the AIDS pandemic. The oldest<unk>  ever excavated were found in a cesspit located in the grounds of Dudley Castle and were made from animal membrane. The<unk>  dated back to as early as 1642.
History of condoms
History of anthropometry
History of birth control
History of wound care
History of pathology
History of herbalism
History of dermatology
SAMPLE history