Portal:Human sexuality

A condom (/ˈkɒndəm/ or UK: /ˈkɒndɒm/) is a barrier device commonly used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) such as HIV/AIDS. It is put on an erect penis and physically blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner. Condoms are also used for collection of semen for use in infertility treatment. In the modern age, condoms are most often made from latex, but some are made from other materials such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, or lamb intestine. A female condom is also available, often made of nitrile.

As a method of birth control, male condoms have the advantages of being inexpensive, easy to use, having few side effects, and offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases. With proper knowledge and application technique—and use at every act of intercourse—women whose partners use male condoms experience a 2% per-year pregnancy rate with perfect use and an 18% per-year pregnancy rate with typical use. Condoms have been used for at least 400 years. Since the 19th century, they have been one of the most popular methods of contraception in the world. While widely accepted in modern times, condoms have generated some controversy, primarily over what role they should play in sex education classes. (Full article...)

• ...that 18th century prostitute Sally Salisbury (pictured) was sent to prison after a riot but was released by a judge who was infatuated with her?
• ...that Marthe Richard was a former prostitute and spy who worked to make brothels illegal in France?
• ...that Amsterdam's Prostitution Information Center provides the city's visitors with information and advice about prostitution?
• ...that 18th century brothel-keeper Jane Douglas (pictured, bottom window, praying) sold condoms in silken bags to her customers?
• ...that madame Anna Wilson, the "Queen of the Underworld" in early Omaha, Nebraska, bequeathed her 25-room brothel mansion to the city to use as an emergency hospital upon her death?
• ...that sexual relations between a man and his daughter-in-law were fairly common in pre-revolutionary rural Russia?

April - July 2007

28 June 2024 –

Thousands of Japanese people protest at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo over multiple alleged sexual assault cases involving U.S. service members against Japanese people on Okinawa Island. (Al Jazeera)

26 June 2024 –

France's government orders the dissolution of several far-right and radical Muslim groups prior to the upcoming legislative election due to their violence, discrimination, and hate speech toward different races, women, and LGBTQ+ people. (AP)

25 June 2024 – LGBT rights in Peru

The Peruvian Ministry of Health announces that it will stop labeling transgender individuals as suffering from mental disorders, but will instead use the term "gender discordance". (Reuters)

22 June 2024 – LGBT rights in Hungary

Thousands of people march in a pride parade in Budapest, Hungary, to protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's anti-LGBTQ+ policies. (Reuters)

For editor resources and to collaborate with other editors on improving Wikipedia's Human sexuality-related articles, see WikiProject Sexology and sexuality.