Live, Laugh & Latex: Valentine’s Day Is National Condom Day

February 2026

Aaahh Valentine’s Day.

It’s a day all about connection, maybe a little romance or maybe a bit of flirty fun with a fling.

But did you know February 14 is also National Condom Day?

Yep, while you’re picking out chocolates and flowers or setting up a hookup, we’re here to remind you to about condoms.

Because nothing says I care like safer sex. 

Why Condoms Deserve a Valentine 

Condoms aren’t just a barrier method, they’re a game-changer for sexual health. They are the only form of contraception that protects against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly.

Check out this blog post on how to use condoms 

When you hear condoms, you are probably thinking about external condoms made from latex or polyurethane. These are the condoms that can be put onto an erect (hard) penis before oral, vaginal or anal sex and used on sex toys (keep scrolling to learn about internal condoms). 

External condoms come in all sorts of sizes, textures (e.g. ribbed), flavours (e.g. strawberry), and colours (even glow in the dark). Some condoms are lubricated or non-lubricated, some are latex or non-latex, there are options for everyone.

Safe sex isn’t boring - it can be fun, creative, and confidence-boosting. 

Condom Fun Facts To Impress Your Valentine

• Condoms have been around for millennia.

  The oldest one dates back to 3000 BC and was made from the bladder of a goat (eep)! Thankfully, modern latex condoms were invented in 1920.

  Interested in learning more about the history of condoms? Check out this National Condom Day blog post by Play Safe NSW 

• It's estimated that over 22 billion condoms are produced around the world each year.

  Looking for condoms near you? Check out our Condom Dispenser Map to find free condoms in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region or Family Planning Australia’s Freedom Condom’s across NSW.

  Condoms can also be purchased in chemists, supermarkets and even online.  

• Oil weakens latex, which means using oil-based lube with condoms can break or tear the condom.

  Water-based lube is recommended because it’s light, slippery and made with water, plus it’s easy to clean up! Water-based lube is compatible with sex toys and all types of condoms, so pick some up when you get your condoms.

  Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but it can also help reduce your risk of STIs when used properly with a condom.

  Learn more about the benefits of lube and how to use it in the what you need to know about lube. blog post on Play Safe NSW.  

• Condoms aren’t just for penises.

  They can also be used when sharing sex toys as condoms prevent STIs being passed between partners through sexual fluids.  

• The internal condom was invented in 1984.

  The internal condom (also known as the female condom) is a barrier contraceptive method up to 95% effective (if used correctly) at protecting against STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

  The internal condom is inserted into the vagina or anus before sex and gives people more control over their sexual health.

  Find out everything you need to know in the Play Safe NSW Internal Condoms blog post.  

• While external condoms increased in popularity (namely with the spread of syphilis in Europe), it wasn’t until 1998 that a protective sheath was proposed for oral sex called the oral or dental dam.

  That’s right, STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes can be passed on through oral sex.

  Oral dams are a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be used during oral sex to reduce the risk of STIs. They come in different flavours and colours and can be found in sex shops, online or in some community health centres.

  Play Safe NSW have a blog post all about how to use a dam and even how to DIY a dam from a condom!  

Condom Use Not Just On Valentine’s Day

Everyone has the right to safe, healthy and pleasurable sex. Harm minimisation means giving people the tools to make safer choices without judgment.

Condoms, oral dams, regular STI testing (find your local clinic here), and open conversations about consent are all part of the package (pun intended).  

So, this Valentine’s Day, if you are planning on some sexy times after your dinner date, or a hook-up with an old or new lover remember to stock up on condoms and lube and share affection not infection.   

Want more? 

• Dive deep into Play Safe NSW to learn more about sex and sexual health. 

• Find free condoms near you in our Condom Dispenser Map and on over at Freedom Condom 

• Follow us on social media for sexual health resources, more fun facts, and support 

• Give Nurse Nettie a call to answer your sticky questions for free on 1800 451 624 or chat via their website

Until next time,  

Peace, Love & Protection