Condom packaging, Durex 'Safe Play'

Empty carton of 3 Durex 'Safe Play' ribbed Type B condoms, spermicidally lubricated, with instruction leaflet, manufactured by LRC Products Ltd, England, c1992 (expiry date July 1995)

Part of a small personal collection of condoms and packaging dating from around the 1990s, this product is an example of the increased use of condoms internationally following the emergence of HIV and AIDS. Previously marketed as contraception, condom products diversified as they began to be targeted at a wider range of people, which led to new flavours, textures, and colours.

Spermicide condoms differ to average condoms as they are coated with a layer of spermicide, a type of chemical that kills sperm in order to stop it from entering the uterus and fertilising the egg. There is no current research to prove that spermicide lubricated condoms are more effective at preventing sexually transmitted diseases compared to non-lubricated ones.

The name ‘safe play’ could be referring to the extra protection provided by spermicide as well as attempting to reassure users that these condoms are the safest available.