The New Condom?

We have talked about the efficacy of condoms in preventing STIs and unintended pregnancy on this site previously. They are are 98% effective when used correctly (though they are often used incorrectly). It may sound simplistic but they are also only effective when they are used, which isn't such a sure thing.

Whilst many people know the benefits of condom use, they are often not used as they are thought to reduce the perceived sensation of sex. Many people instead take the risk (of pregnancy or STIs) and don't use a condom favoring sensual sex over safety.

Another issue with traditional condoms is that they are made of latex and are therefore unusable by people with latex allergies.

In order to make condoms more consistently used, in 2014 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave 11 grants to different researchers or companies to make the next generation of condoms. An Australian research team based at the University of Woolongong, NSW was a recipient of one of these grants.

Essentially they are trying to see if condoms made from hydrogels (a jelly like substance made of hydrogen) are able to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. These hydrogels have a few advantages over the traditional condom, one of which is that they reportedly feel like skin. Theoretically this property may reduce the loss of sensation felt with normal latex condoms.

More information is contained in the video embedded below.

It's early days and though the idea is promising we don't know how this will pan out in the long term. It is however, something we will be keeping a close eye on.