All articles tagged with #condoms
A UK condom price surge driven by Middle East disruptions and a 30% hike from Karex could curb condom use—already low in 2023—and raise STI rates, despite free condoms at clinics; price increases are expected to reach shops over the coming months, with some ranges frozen until mid-2026.
Malaysia’s Karex, the world’s largest condom maker and a supplier to brands like Durex and Trojan, says it will raise prices by up to 30% due to higher raw-material costs and shipping disruptions tied to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz. Producing about five billion condoms a year and accounting for roughly a fifth of global supply, Karex cites surging costs for inputs such as nitrile, synthetic rubber, packaging and other materials—some up as much as 100%—and warns that a prolonged conflict could ripple through its factories or halt production. The company employs about 3,000 people in Malaysia and Thailand, notes rising demand in developing countries, and points to past AIDS-prevention program funding cuts; in Malaysia, a three-pack of its One brand costs about 9 ringgit.
Karex, the world’s largest condom maker, told Reuters the Iran war could disrupt supply chains and push prices up about 20–30% as feedstock shortages, higher manufacturing costs, and shipping delays bite; the company says it has enough stock for a few months, but global supply could tighten and prices could rise as costs are passed to customers.
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Olympic villages faced condom shortages, prompting organizers to promise fresh supplies for athletes on Valentine’s Day.
Organizers acknowledged that condom supplies in the Olympic Villages were temporarily depleted due to higher-than-anticipated demand and said new supplies would be delivered and distributed across all villages between today and Monday. IOC officials noted the Valentine’s Day surge, and officials promised there will be no further shortages through the games as stock is replenished.
Reports claim the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics village ran out of condoms after three days, with about 10,000 condoms for around 3,000 athletes; officials say more are on the way, but timing is unclear, fueling rumors about sexual activity at the Games.
At the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, organizers reported high demand for free condoms, distributing around 10,000 to athletes and staff; stocks were exhausted with more than a week left, prompting replenishment efforts and lighthearted commentary from IOC officials as athletes recounted shortages observed in their accommodations.
La Stampa reports that free condoms at the Cortina Olympic Village ran out after three days, with about 2,900 athletes participating and a supply far smaller than Paris 2024 (300,000) or Rio 2016 (450,000); replenishment was promised but the timing remains unclear as many athletes stay in Milan.
At the Cortina 2026 Winter Games, La Stampa reports the Olympic Village ran out of 10,000 free condoms within three days, equating to roughly three per athlete for the Games; organizers promised restocks but timing remains unclear. Condoms have been a longstanding Olympic health measure since 1988, and the piece notes Paris 2024’s much larger supply (about 300,000 condoms for 10,500 athletes). The tone is mock-sardonic about the logistics, while highlighting the tradition of condom distribution at the Games.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, organizers distributed about 10,000 free condoms across villages and accommodations, but stock ran out amid higher-than-expected demand; restocking is underway to ensure continued availability for athletes and attendees.
The article highlights the best discounted sex-related products available during Amazon Prime Day 2025, including sex toys like the Magic Wand Mini and We-Vibe Melt, lubricants such as Astroglide, lingerie sets, and condoms, offering readers a chance to indulge in intimate essentials at reduced prices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 846 million people aged 15 to 49 globally live with genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection that increases the risk of HIV. The virus remains in the body for life, often without symptoms, but can cause painful outbreaks. The WHO highlights the stigma surrounding the disease and calls for new treatments and vaccines. Genital herpes incurs significant economic costs, and condom use is recommended to reduce transmission risk.
Organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics will provide free condoms, mental health resources, and cyberbullying support to athletes in the Olympic Village, with 200,000 male condoms, 20,000 female condoms, and 10,000 oral dams available. A clinic with specialists, MRI machines, and a mental health space will address athletes' physical and mental wellbeing, while an awareness campaign will target cyberbullying, acknowledging the impact of social media on athletes.
A new study shows a significant decline in condom use among gay and bisexual men, particularly among young and Hispanic individuals, raising concerns about the effectiveness of prevention strategies in the fight against HIV. While prevention medication like PrEP has contributed to a moderate drop in HIV rates, it has not been widely adopted by Black and Hispanic men. The overall decline in condom use, coupled with the focus on PrEP, has led to a rise in sexually transmitted infections, prompting calls for renewed emphasis on promoting condoms as a crucial prevention strategy.
During the filming of Squid Game: The Challenge, players resorted to using lubricated condoms as chapstick due to the lack of lip balm provided in the dorm. Player 301/Trey confirms the authenticity of this claim, although he personally did not use the condoms. Other items like lotion and conditioner were also attempted but proved ineffective. Eventually, producers provided individual tins of lip balm to the contestants. Trey regrets not keeping his lip balm as a souvenir, but he will always remember the absurdity of watching others use condoms as lip balm.