item details
NameBox of Durex "extra-safe" condoms
ProductionSSL International; manufacturer(s); circa 1999; Thailand
Classificationcondoms
Materialsrubber, plastic, cardboard
DimensionsOverall: 70mm (width), 120mm (height), 27mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH022073
Credit lineGift of Dame Margaret Sparrow, 2011
Overview
Durex
The Durex condom brand was introduced by the London Rubber Company in 1929. ‘Durex’ stands for ‘durability, reliability and excellence’. Some of Durex’s innovations have included electronic testing and lubricated condoms in the 1950s, anatomically-shaped condoms in the 1960s, and spermicide-protected condoms in the 1970s.
Not so safe
However, these 'extra safe' condoms were not as safe as the product claimed. The condoms were lubricated with Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) spermicide for extra contraceptive cover. But N-9 is not effective against HIV or sexually transmitted infections, and can cause genital lesions. Durex stopped using N-9 in 2002.