“Ooo, I can tell you love me clear across the room in the dark!” Yes, it’s no longer just a joke: Global Protection Corp., one of the nations’s major condom suppliers, has introduced the “first and only glow-in-the-dark condom” that’s FDA-approved for preventing disease and pregnancy. It contains a safe, non-toxic phosphorous pigment in the middle layer of a three-layer latex condom. There have been “novelty” glowing rubbers for years, but they aren’t intended for actual use.
On their Web site, Global is also holding a contest drawing on August 1 in which winners will receive a free year’s supply of condoms. (Let’s see … is that six rubbers or 400?) You can sign up for the prize at www.nightlightcondom.com.
We wrote last year about Global’s new Pleasure Plus condom with a radical new shape, a sort of loose textured pouch at the upper end which induces additional friction on the penis for increased sensation. Rave reviews (89% preference) by its users have prodded Ansell Healthcare, manufacturer of LifeStyles Condoms, into introducing its new LifeStyles Large, a bit bigger around and substantially longer, with a “more relaxed flared fit.” (Actually, the number of guys who request super-size rubbers from our HIV prevention outreach teams makes me suspect a “delusions of grandeur” epidemic, but at least there are options … ) Of course, Ansell also makes the Snugger Fit Condom, which is a tad smaller in diameter than the average rubber for “a cozier experience and a contour shape for more contact and sensation.”
Condoms may not seem to change much, but who says American ingenuity isn’t responsive to consumer demand? From a disease prevention perspective, we like seeing an increased range of options available. Some men will find one product satisfactory, while other men will prefer other products. (Remember, gals, there’s always the Reality female condom, too!) And the more options, the greater the odds that there will be something to help keep everyone safe.
– Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator
AIDS Services of Austin
This article appears in April 13 • 2001.