Every year from February 14 to 21, we observe National Condom Week. It’s a time to raise awareness about the importance of using condoms, which are 98% effective at preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

As a part of our celebration this year at Say It With A Condom, we’re highlighting everything you need to know about National Condom Week. We’ll go over what it is and when it is, and how you can observe it. To help you spread the word about the many benefits of condoms this February, we’re also sharing 13 fun facts about this amazing invention. 

What is National Condom Week? 

National Condom Week is a time to spread awareness about the importance of using condoms and other barrier methods. It’s observed by Public Health organizations across the United States, as well as organizations that are focused on sexual health, STI prevention, and lowering unplanned pregnancy rates. 

When is National Condom Week 2024? 

National Condom Week takes place from February 14 to February 21 each year. The week-long celebration begins on Valentine’s Day, which will fall on a Wednesday in 2024. 

Why is National Condom Week Important? 

National Condom Week offers an opportunity to promote correct condom use, which is 98 percent effective at preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancies. STIs and unwanted pregnancies have a profound impact on lifelong health. Using condoms is a way of caring for yourself and your community. 

How Do You Observe National Condom Week? 

If you work in public health, you can use National Condom Week to spread awareness about safer sex practices. You can have conversations with patients or members of the public about things like how to use a condom correctly, how to have healthy communication with sexual partners, consent, STI testing, and STI treatment. 

If you’re a member of the public, you can celebrate National Condom Week by learning more about condoms and sharing that information with others. The holiday also offers a great opportunity to get sensual and stay safe while you do it. Improve your sexual education and practice using protection.

History of National Condom Week

National Condom Week was started in the 1970s by students at the University of California, Berkeley. Since then, it has become a nationwide holiday observed by official public health departments, healthcare providers, and advocates for safer sex practices. It’s also still a staple on many college campuses, where organizations often use the holiday as an opportunity to hand out condoms while spreading awareness about how to use them safely and effectively. 

Condom Fun Facts For National Condom Week 

national condom week

One way to observe National Condom Week is by sharing useful facts about condoms with friends, sex partners, and your community. To help you spread the word about the many benefits of this barrier method, here are 13 fun facts about condoms. 

  1. Research shows that positive conversations about sex and sexual pleasure are an effective way to increase condom use. 
  2. Oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to break, so stick with water-based or silicone-based lubricants when you need to get more slippery.  
  3. According to the World Health Organization, increased condom use since 1990 has prevented an estimated 117 million new HIV infections. 
  4. Condoms have been around since ancient times. The earliest known artistic representation of a condom can be seen in a cave painting in Grotte des Combarelles in France that’s at least 10,000 years old. 
  5. The oldest condoms ever found were made of sheep intestines. While they could block sperm, they weren’t effective at preventing STIs. 
  6. Animal skin condoms, like lambskin condoms, are available today, but they can only prevent pregnancy and not STIs. Latex condoms and polyurethane condoms are a much better choice for STI prevention. 
  7. The first step in using a condom correctly is checking its expiration date. You should also check to make sure your condom wrapper has an air bubble, which helps you know there’s no hole in the condom package. 
  8. While external condoms are the most popular type of condom, they’re not the only barrier method that can protect against STIs. Other options include internal condoms (also called female condoms or insertive condoms) and dental dams. 
  9. Internal condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours in advance. 
  10. Many people say that they find sex more enjoyable when using condoms because they provide a sense of safety. 
  11. Using two condoms at once actually provides less protection than using just one. Using two condoms causes them to rub up against each other, putting you at high risk of condom breaking. 
  12. Barrier methods like condoms are the only form of birth control that also prevents STIs. 
  13. If a week of condom awareness isn’t enough for you, you can also celebrate all month long. February is National Condom Month. 

Customized Condoms For National Condom Week and Beyond

If you’re looking for a way to leave a lasting impression during National Condom Week, turn to the ultimate conversation starter: customized condoms. Customized condoms are a fun, memorable way to get people talking at your next event or gathering. Design your customized condoms now and start bringing people together. 

Design Customized Condoms