Condoms lubricated with Sensitol. 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, they have evolved from linen and animal intestine, via vulcanised rubber, to the multicoloured, multi-flavoured latex varieties available today.