New self-lubricating condoms ‘can withstand 1,000 thrusts and makes sex better’
The condoms become really slippery when they come into contact with body fluids - and volunteers preferred them
SCIENTISTS have created self-lubricating condoms to help stop the spread of nasty infections.
They're covered in a special, durable coating designed to last however long your passionate romp does.
Sex without enough lube can be painful and increases the risk of condoms slipping off or breaking.
When used correctly condoms are a highly effective form of contraception, but not everyone enjoys wearing them.
Many people opt for other ways to prevent pregnancy, like the Pill, but that doesn't protect from nasty sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Most condoms are lubricated to make them easier to use, but often it isn't enough.
That's why scientists at Boston University, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have created self-lubricating ones.
They hope the new condoms will encourage more people to wrap it up before getting down and dirty, and reduce the spread of STIs, according to the
The condoms become really slippery when they come into contact with bodily fluids and can withstand at least 1,000 thrusts without losing any of it's lubrication, according the to study published in the
Having sex typically lasts half that time, the researchers say.
In comparison, regular condoms with water-based lube became less slippery after 600 thrusts.
A group of 33 volunteers were asked to compare the condoms, with most saying they prefer the self-lubricating ones.
Researcher Prof Mark Grinstaff, from Boston University, said: "It feels a bit slimy when you handle it dry, but in the presence of water or natural fluids it becomes really slick. You only need a little bit of fluid to activate it."
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Clinical trials with couples could begin as early as next year.
Bekki Burbidge, from the sexual health charity FPA, said: "We welcome new innovations to encourage condom use.
"Condoms are the only method of contraception that also help to protect against STIs, so it's important that people feel confident and comfortable using them.
"Lubrication can make sex more comfortable and enjoyable so we encourage people to try out different water-based lubricants as well as different sizes, shapes and textures of condoms to find out what suits them and enhances their sexual pleasure."
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A company within the university is now looking to develop the product to be sold, subject to regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Wollongong in Australia have been working on developing a self-lubricating condom out of tough hydrogels, instead of latex or rubber, that feel more like real skin.
It's not the first time coatings like this have been designed.
Dr Nicola Irwin, from Queen's University, Belfast and an expert in healthcare materials and technology, said similar "hydrophilic" coatings have been used in urinary catheters to improve comfort.
The coating makes it easier for doctors to insert catheter tubes and improves comfort for the patients.
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