Scientists Design Pleasurable Condoms That Protect From HIV

A revolutionary condom that can increase sexual pleasure and protect from HIV is being developed by scientists.

According to scientists from the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, the contraceptive will be made out of hydrogel, a solid, jelly-like material which is already used in various medical products, including contact lenses.

The condoms will be drenched with a plant-based antioxidant substance that is capable of killing the HIV-virus if the condom breaks. Moreover, the antioxidant affects the nerve endings thus enhancing sexual pleasure.

Head researcher Mahua Choudhury said: “People say they don’t want to use condoms because it doesn’t have the same sexual pleasure. The anti-oxidant in the condom will enhance neurotransmitters which will work with nerve endings, giving greater sexual pleasure. If the HIV virus gets into to the product, the condom will block it, prevent it replicating, and prevent entry from the body.”

The new condom is expected to go on sale in 2016 at around $1 each. It is estimated that there are 36,9  million people worldwide infected with HIV in 2014.

The HIV pandemic is most severe in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 60% of all people living with HIV reside within the region.

In terms of raw HIV case numbers, South Africa has largest population living with HIV (6,3 million), followed by Nigeria (3,2 million), andIndia (2,1 million) by the end of 2013.