The term “French letters” is a historical and somewhat archaic euphemism used to refer to what is now commonly known as a condom. This device functions as a barrier method of contraception, preventing pregnancy by physically blocking the transfer of reproductive cells. The phrase hints at a long history associated with sexual health and national rivalries, though the modern condom is a highly regulated medical device.
The Modern Contraceptive Device
A condom is a thin, sheath-shaped device designed to be worn over the penis, or sometimes internally within the vagina, to create a physical barrier. The vast majority of external condoms are made from natural rubber latex, which provides optimal strength and elasticity. Synthetic alternatives, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene, are widely available for individuals with latex allergies and still offer protection against pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A third, less common material is natural membrane, often referred to as lambskin, which is derived from the intestinal lining of lambs. While lambskin condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy, they are porous and do not block the passage of viruses that cause STIs.
Proper use of the device also depends heavily on the type of lubricant applied. Latex condoms are compatible with water-based and silicone-based lubricants. However, oil-based lubricants can degrade the latex material, significantly increasing the risk of tearing or breakage.
How They Prevent Pregnancy and Disease
The primary function of the condom as a contraceptive device is to establish a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg. During sexual intercourse, the sheath acts to contain the ejaculate, stopping sperm from entering the partner’s body. When used correctly and consistently, the method achieves a perfect-use rate of approximately 98% in preventing pregnancy over the course of a year.
Because people do not always use them perfectly—such as putting them on late or using them inconsistently—the typical-use effectiveness rate drops to around 87%. The condom’s dual protective role also reduces the transmission of most sexually transmitted infections. Pathogens like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, which are transmitted through bodily fluids, are effectively blocked by the non-porous materials of latex or synthetic condoms.
The barrier also reduces skin-to-skin contact, which is the transmission route for infections like syphilis, herpes, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While condoms greatly reduce the risk of these diseases, they do not offer absolute protection against STIs spread by contact with infected skin areas not covered by the sheath. For maximum protection, the condom must be used correctly from the start to the finish of every sexual act.
The History Behind the Term
The name “French letters” originated in a historical context where the spread of venereal disease was often attributed to foreign adversaries. During times of national tension, particularly between England and France, it was common practice to assign a foreign origin to undesirable things, including sexually transmitted illnesses. For instance, syphilis was historically referred to as the “French disease” in England, while the French called it the “Neapolitan disease,” shifting the blame to others.
This cultural phenomenon resulted in the protective sheath being mockingly associated with the French. The French, in turn, used the reciprocal term “capote anglaise,” which translates to “English overcoat,” for the same device. The “letter” component of the term is less certain, but historical accounts suggest it may have been a euphemism or related to the discrete, paper-like packaging of early condoms made from animal membranes.
Before the advent of rubber technology, condoms during the 18th and 19th centuries were made from materials like animal intestines or chemically treated linen. Young men traveling through Europe on the “Grand Tour” would sometimes enclose the protective item in messages sent home from France, which may have contributed to the “letter” designation. The phrase thus became a discreet, if slightly derogatory, way to reference the device in English-speaking circles.