Posts Tagged ‘History lessons’

Buy Condoms in Russia

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

It was a famous saying in Russia (at the time of Soviet Union), “There is no SEX in Russia”. It was taken out of TV discussion between Phil Donahue and Russian TV audience. Well, what they meant, was  – any mention about sex was completely forbidden in media and public life. Condoms were extremely not popular. STDs were on a rise and then came AIDS.

 

Condom manufacturing started in Russia in 1930s. It was made by the same company that made gas masks. Gas masks were named Product #1 (it was considered a part of Personal Protection Equipment package and was a secret product) Condoms were named Product #2. They were extremely thick and had an awful smell. This is a typical example of Soviet Era Condom

Those days you can buy any brand of condoms in Russia. Prices vary, but they are compatible to the prices in USA.

Sex discussions in India

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

If you are interested in history of human sexual behavior, you will be interested to read Kama Sutra. Indian philosopher Mallanaga Vātsyāyana wrote this ancient manuscript where he described sexual intercourse from scientific point of view. This study became a standard to the doctors, philosophers, artists and public for practical advice on sexual activities.

However, one question is always on my mind. Why in the country, where such a brilliant script was produced, exists a contradiction toward sexual behavior? For example, sex toys and pornography are illegal in India. Modern Indian society holds on to conservative visions on sexuality. This explains why the condom use is not popular and, therefore, AIDS and STDs are on the rise in India.

Indian Government is trying to promote condom use. One of the recent sponsorships came for a new condom (available in India) named Crezendo. In the pack together with three condoms, there is a battery-run ring device. It started a heated debate in India, because some people consider it a vibrator. The article in BBC News tells us about different opinions on this subject in Indian society.

17th Century Condom shown in museum

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Antique pieces are very fascinating and educational. By looking at them you realize how our ancestors lived. What kind of problems they had and how did they resolve it? And sometimes you are surprised with human thoughtfulness. Condom is one of the most genius creations of our humanity. It is one of the rare medical remedies what came to us from the ancient history and almost did not change. The following article tells about the surviving condom from 17th Century on display in Austria.