The company behind Durex, the London Rubber Company, was founded in a small room behind a London tobacconists in 1915. Initially a vendor of barbers' sundries, including protectives imported from Germany, the Durex name, standing for durability, reliability and excellence, was registered in 1929. The first Durex condom factory was opened in 1932.

Now manufactured by a company called SSL International, Durex is sold in more than 150 countries around the world.

To find out how much Durex condoms will cost your clients, please visit the Durex shop at www.durex.co.uk. To enquire about purchasing clinic packs, please contact your local Business Development Manager.

Relied upon and trusted by millions of people around the world, Durex condoms are sold in more than 150 countries.

Durex's parent company is SSL International, which was formed through the merger of Seton Scholl Healthcare plc and London International Group plc in June 1999. The corporate office is located in London, and the group has operations in over thirty countries.

SSL International is a leading global healthcare group producing a range of premium branded products sold to the consumer healthcare market.

The first stage in the manufacturing process of a condom is the arrival of the raw material - natural rubber latex - at the condom factory. Prior to purchase, each batch is tested and certified at the plantation but on arrival, the batch is again tested and given a unique code which it carries throughout the production process.

To give the latex stability and strength, ingredients are added and the latex is heated to enable chemical reactions to occur. The compound then undergoes a maturity process. At the end of the maturity process, tests are carried out to ensure all the chemical reactions have taken place correctly.

When the sample has reached a satisfactory standard, it is moved into the production area where filtered air is pumped around to minimise the presence of dust particles. A continuous line of clean glass formers is dipped into the temperature controlled compounded latex and rotated continuously to ensure the latex is distributed evenly. The formers are dipped for a second time to ensure Durex condoms have sufficient thickness and strength. In this area, cleanliness is of utmost importance and condom formers are thoroughly cleaned after each production cycle.

The next stage is vulcanisation - the formers pass through an oven to vulcanise the latex - this fuses the two layers of latex to complete the series of chemical reactions.

The condoms then undergo a finishing process with magnesium and calcium carbonate or calcium before being removed from the formers, following which the condoms are stored for up to seven days to mature.

Durex consistently manufactures high quality condoms worldwide, exceeding the requirements of the new ISO4074:2002, which will shortly replace EN600:1966 as the European latex condom standard. The Durex Seal of Quality demands even more uncompromising quality, ensured by even tighter internal performance specifications. Durex condoms are of the highest quality and because of this, SSL is regularly consulted by health ministries, hospitals, scientists, academics and other sexual health bodies.

Durex has been manufacturing condoms for over 75 years, meaning the brand has a longstanding heritage and expertise second to none. All Durex condoms are electronically tested to ensure their integrity. In addition, condoms from each batch undergo rigorous quality tests including air burst volume and pressure tests, tensile tests, water leak testing and electronic testing.

In fact, SSL International policy is to incorporate new, more stringent quality requirements into its test programme even before these standards are formally adopted.

We have just upgraded the requirements for the Durex Quality symbol to ensure we continue to stay ahead of regulatory standards. For example, the international standard for the air burst test is for the condom to contain 18 litres of air, but our requirements is for 22 litres and typically a Durex condom will expand to contain 40 litres of air.

Clinical trials have shown that the correct and consistent use of latex condoms results in contraceptive efficacy rates of 95 to 98 percent.

High quality latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, provide an effective barrier against pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

In tests Durex Avanti condoms have been found to compare very favourably to the published breakage rates for latex condoms.

SSL International is satisfied that the low breakage rates recorded for Durex Avanti clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of a product offering enhanced sensitivity without compromising security.

Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If condoms are carried on a person (for example, in a wallet), this should only be a temporary measure. Make sure the condom sachets are not damaged, bent or flexed. Always ensure the expiry date has not passed. If there is any doubt as to the condition of the condom it is recommended that it is disposed of and a different condom used.

Durex condoms, in their original foil sachets, can withstand short-term exposure to high temperatures (in laboratory testing they are stored at 70°C for 7 days), but it is best to avoid keeping condoms in hot spots such as car glove boxes or near radiators as this can damage the condom.

Durex condoms, in their original foil sachets, can withstand short term exposure to both freezing and high temperatures.

However, SSL International advises that is such situations the condoms can be used only if they have returned to room temperature naturally.

It is recommended that more attention is paid while making love in water, including swimming pools and the sea, as there may be an increased risk of the condom slipping.

In addition, oil-based lubricants can damage latex. It is advisable that if having sex in the shower or bath, oil-based products such as soaps and shower gels are not used.

Durex condoms generally have a shelf life of five years. The expiry date is shown on both the outer cardboard carton and on every individual foil condom packet.

Allergic reactions to products made from natural rubber latex are relatively rare, although incidences are reported to be increasing among health care workers and those exposed to natural rubber latex either frequently or for long periods.

There are three types of reaction that are associated with use of natural rubber products:

Irritation
A dry itchy rash possibly caused by the remaining chemical additives present on the product at the end of manufacture. The irritation subsides when contact with the latex ceases. This is not an allergic reaction.

Immediate type I allergy
A reaction to the extractable protein components of natural latex. The symptoms are typically local or generalised urticaria and oedema.

Delayed type IV allergy
A reaction to residual chemical additives remaining in latex at the end of manufacture. It is often characterised by a red rash and the skin may become leathery with papules or blisters. This is a delayed reaction, usually occurring 6-48 hours after contact.

To ensure that the level of allergens in condoms is reduced, all SSL products undergo a rigorous washing process. Condoms manufactured by SSL International have consistently low protein levels. Users who experience allergic reactions to natural rubber latex are encouraged to use Durex Avanti.

Durex Performa condoms contain a special lubricant in the condom that helps to delay climax and prolong sexual excitement.

The lubricant involved contains a small amount of a well-established local anaesthetic, benzocaine, and is not anticipated to provide a prolonged effect if used in accordance with the pack instructions.

The anaesthetic effect of the benzocaine in Performa varies in duration from individual to individual but studies have reported that the effect on average lasts about 20 minutes. However, this time period should only be used as a guideline.

Sensilube is a clear, odourless, water based lubricant which acts and feels just like a woman's natural vaginal moisture.

Sensilube lubricant will enhance sexual comfort, confidence and enjoyment and is perfectly safe to use with condoms. A lubricant like Sensilube can also add to the pleasure of sex for both parties.

Sensilube is available to the NHS as part of the complete range of Durex condoms and lubricants.

Durex Play and Sensilube should not cause irritation wherever applied. If irritation should occur, please ask your patients to stop using lubricants and to consult you to rule out other medical problems, or refer them to their GP.

Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

Durex Performa condoms contain a special lubricant in the condom that helps to delay climax and prolong sexual excitement.

The lubricant involved contains a small amount of a well-established local anaesthetic, benzocaine, and is not anticipated to provide a prolonged effect if used in accordance with the pack instructions.

The anaesthetic effect of the benzocaine in Performa varies in duration from individual to individual but studies have reported that the effect on average lasts about 20 minutes. However, this time period should only be used as a guideline.

Durex Play and Sensilube should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Lubricants are not only used when someone does not produce sufficient moisture naturally. Play lubricants and Sensilube can also be used to enhance sensitivity and pleasure and are perfectly safe to use with condoms.

If, however, lubricants are being used routinely because of constant dryness, you may wish to investigate whether your patient has a medical problem.

Yes, Durex Play and Sensilube are safe to apply when the condom is already on. These lubricants are not contraceptives and do not contain spermicide.