In 1998, we wrote about an “invisible” or “squirt-on” condom being developed at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, and promised to keep you posted as to progress. At last, the Canadian Health Ministry has recently awarded Laval C$350,000 for a clinical study. (What can we say – the wheels of institutional science sometimes move slowly.)
The “condom” is a polymer gel that squirts out of a tube onto the vaginal or anal opening and gelifies immediately with body heat as entry occurs, a squirt-it-on condom that “applies” itself as one slides in. No, really! “The penis will be surrounded by it as you penetrate,” inventor Prof. Bergeron says. “It’s a physical barrier [between the partners], but it moves [with you].” Nontoxic, odorless, tasteless, and transparent, “the invisible condom” is flushed away with water after intercourse is finished.
A major advantage will be increased control by the receiving partner, especially useful for those whose men refuse to wear a traditional rubber, most commonly claiming they’re too tight. (Talk about delusions of grandeur … ) This condom will be “custom-fitted” by himself.
Preliminary trials with sex workers showed promise, measuring reductions in STDs and pregnancy among the users. We’ll let you know how things work out.
This article appears in August 18 • 2000.