The Condom That Came With Maintenance Instructions

A London chemist sold a reusable condom around 1948. Sam explores the surprising history behind the everyday packet: changing materials, discreet packaging, disease-prevention marketing and the laboratory tests that make reliability more than a slogan.

Educational discussion of contraception and sexual health. Historical reuse practices are not current advice: modern condoms are single-use. This delayed episode was originally planned for 10 October; publication date reflects its actual release.

Sources:
Science Museum Group — Paragon reusable condom, 1948–1950:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co96752/paragon-reusable-rubber-condom-london-england-1948-1950-condom
Science Museum Group — Phantasma packaging:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co96526/condom-packaging-phantasma
Wellcome Collection — history and uncertain name origins:
https://wellcomecollection.org/stories/W88vXBIAAOEyzwO_
Smithsonian — Ramses, manufacturing and disease-prevention marketing:
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_1377441
WHO/UNFPA — testing guidance:
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/annex-6-trs-1033
WHO/UNFPA — shelf-life evidence:
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/trs1044-annex9
WHO — current condom information:
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/condoms