The condom might not seem to be a product that changes much, but who says American ingenuity isn’t responding to consumer demand? A new style of condom has been introduced to the market which claims to not only overcome (no pun, please) the barriers of “reduced sexual pleasure,” but to actually increase sensation by adding some of its own.
Research shows that the perception of reduced pleasure is the primary reason guys dislike or refuse to use rubbers. The new Pleasure Plus condom from Global Protection has redesigned the product by enlarging the condom head into a generous loose pouch on the underside, lined with fine internal ribs. “During sex, the pouch moves back and forth, gently stimulating both partners,” says the manufacturer’s promotional literature to the professional community. The resulting product, in a study by Emory University School of Medicine, was preferred by 89% of frequent condom users over the bestselling brands.
Several young friends who have tried the Pleasure Plus are totally gung-ho about them. “It’s almost like not having a rubber on,” swears one. “No, dude, it feels even better – more friction,” avers another.
Well, we haven’t personally test-driven the Pleasure Plus, so we can’t say. But what we do like, disease prevention-wise, is that it increases the range of options available. Some men will find one product satisfactory, while other men will prefer other products. And the more options, the greater the odds that there will be something to help keep everyone safe.
This article appears in March 31 • 2000.