Condoms, spermicidally lubricated using Nonoxynol-9. Condoms were first used in the sixteenth century as a protection against syphilis. In the twenty-first century they offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as being effective contraceptives. In the last 100 years, animal intestine has given way as the main method used, to vulcanised rubber and the multi-coloured, multi-flavoured latex varieties available today.