Malaysian doctor says he’s created the world’s first unisex condom using wound-dressing material and claims ‘once it’s on, you don’t realise it’s there’
- The Wondaleaf Unisex Condom was designed by Dr John Tang Ing Chinh
- It is made from 0.03mm-thick medical grade polyurethane used for dressings
- Contraceptive has an adhesive strip that can be attached to a penis or vagina
Doctors claim to have created the world’s first unisex condom that can be worn by both men and women and costs just £1.30.
Malaysian gynaecologist Dr John Tang Ing Chinh said he designed the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom to allow people take better control of their sexual health regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.
A sticky belt like strap is attached to the entire area between the legs to hold the condom in place for women, while men put on the contraceptive normally and secure it with the adhesive strip.
It is made from ultrathin medical grade polyurethane, which is usually used as a dressing for injuries and wounds and in surgical gloves. Doctors say it is sturdier than traditional latex so there is less chance of the condom splitting.
Wondaleaf released an instructional video for how to use the contraceptive, which states the adhesive does not hurt when peeled off slowly.
Each box contains two condoms, and will cost £2.62 ($3.62). The average price for a dozen condoms in Malaysia is £3.49 ($4.82) to £6.98 ($9.64).
Dr Tang said: ‘Once you put it on, you often don’t realize that it’s there. It’s basically a regular condom with an adhesive covering.
‘It’s a condom with an adhesive covering that attaches to the vagina or penis, as well as covering the adjacent area for extra protection.’
Malaysian gynaecologist Dr John Tang Ing Chinh said he designed the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom to allow people take better control of their sexual health regardless of their sex or sexual orientation
Wondaleaf claims the contraceptive is safer at preventing pregnancy and STIs being transmitted because it covers the entire pubic area
The condom marketed as the world’s first for men and women works by providing a barrier around either gender’s entire pubic area.
It can be attached to the outside of a vagina or penis via a special adhesive.
Sexually-transmitted disease spread by body fluids or physical contact are blocked by the 0.3mm-thick medical grade polyurethane.
Wondaleaf claims the contraceptive is safer than regular condoms or femidoms because it covers the entire pubic area.
The company said: ‘Wondaleaf Unisex Condom is an adhesive condom, it can be put on before any foreplay, preventing any interruption.
‘This also means that it will not slip off during intercourse, making it a much safer contraceptive.
‘Its wide shield covers the entire pubic area, preventing contact STDs.’
The adhesive is only applied to one side of the condom, he added, meaning it can be reversed and used by either sex.
Dr Tang makes the condoms using polyurethane, a material used in transparent wound dressings that is thin and flexible yet strong and waterproof.
He said the Wondaleaf had gone through several rounds of clinical research and testing and would be available commercially via the firm’s website this December.
Dr Tang said: ‘Based on the number of clinical trials we have conducted, I am quite optimistic that given time it will be a meaningful addition to the many contraceptive methods used in the prevention of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.’
Wondaleaf claims the contraceptive is safer at preventing pregnancy and STIs being transmitted because it covers the entire pubic area.
The company does not provide data on how effective the condom is.
It is currently only available in Malaysia but the company has begun work to ensure it meets safety standards in other countries around the world, it says.
The instructional video suggests women using the contraceptive shave their pubic area to avoid pain when taking it off.
Wondaleaf say the one-size-fits-all condom is safe for people with latex allergies because it is made of polyurethane.
The company said: ‘Wondaleaf Unisex Condom is an adhesive condom, it can be put on before any foreplay, preventing any interruption.
‘This also means that it will not slip off during intercourse, making it a much safer contraceptive.
‘Its wide shield covers the entire pubic area, preventing contact STDs.’
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