International Condom Day is observed annually on February 13. The observance was established in 2009 by the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The purpose of the day is to promote condoms as an effective method for preventing unintended pregnancy and reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, while advocating for equitable access to reproductive health resources worldwide.
A key focus of International Condom Day is the global condom gap, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where limited availability and cost barriers reduce access to basic protection. Advocacy efforts often highlight the impact of taxes and import duties that classify condoms as luxury items rather than essential health products, increasing prices and limiting distribution in regions with high STI rates.
When Is International Condom Day?
International Condom Day is observed each year on February 13. Its timing ahead of Valentine’s Day links sexual health with responsibility and care in relationships.
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13 | Wednesday |
Ways to Observe International Condom Day
Here are a few simple ways to observe International Condom Day:
- Post an awareness message or educational fact online using #InternationalCondomDay
- Share clear, reliable sexual health information with friends or on social media
- Encourage conversations about consent, protection, and shared responsibility
- Pick up free condoms from a health center or community organization and make them accessible
- Support organizations that provide sexual health education and testing resources
Facts About Condoms
While condoms are a common part of modern reproductive health, their history and development include lesser-known details shaped by medicine, culture, and global events.
- Early materials: Before latex became available in the 1920s, condoms were made from treated linen or animal membranes, such as lamb or goat intestine. Because they were costly, these early versions were often washed and reused.
- Military policy shifts: During World War I, the United States and Britain did not issue condoms to soldiers, citing moral concerns. This decision contributed to high rates of sexually transmitted infections among troops. By World War II, military policy had changed, and condoms were widely distributed and even used to protect equipment from water, sand, and dirt.
- Vegan considerations: Most latex condoms are not fully vegan because they use casein, a milk-derived protein, during manufacturing. In recent years, plant-based alternatives have become more common to meet ethical and allergy-related concerns.
- Religious discourse: In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that condom use could be morally justifiable in specific situations, such as reducing the risk of HIV transmission. This marked a notable shift in public discussion around faith and public health.
