Possibility of a Spray-On Condom
A new form of barrier method contraception, the spray-on condom, is currently being developed and may eventually be available widespread distribution.
This new invention works when a man inserts his penis into the chamber of the spray-on condom can, inside of which is a latex applicator. At the push of a button, the can strategically sprays the latex onto the man's penis. The latex then dries and is custom-fit for the man to use during sexual intercourse.
The inventor of this new product, German-born Jan Vinzenz Krause, names several reasons for deciding to create a new form of barrier contraception. Among these reasons, he includes the fact that putting on a pre-packaged condom can take away from the intimacy of the moment. Another reason is that several men have issues with purchasing condoms properly sized for their specific penis. The spray-on condom could prove to eliminate this factor.
Of similar importance, Krause and his team of researchers have emphasized selling the spray-on condom applicator and latex cartridges online. The reason for choosing this sort of distribution is a heightened sense of privacy. Men with smaller-sized penises, says Krause, are reluctant to buy smaller-sized condoms in a public setting (for example, the market). Online sales could prove to help men who are less than eager about their penis size, while also allowing them to choose an applicator custom-fit to the size of their penis.
Beside the clear upside of the spray-on condom, some obstacles have surfaced during initial testing. Men who took part in this testing were unwilling to actually insert their penis in to the applicator can. Others worried the hissing noise, which occurs during application of the latex, could ruin the mood during foreplay. Most importantly, however, is the latex itself. At its present stage in development, the liquid latex takes two to three minutes to dry. This sort of timing leads to significant complications. For example, in that span of time a man's erection could easily subside.
Although the spray-on condom is a step forward in contraception development, it has yet to reach widespread acceptance. A combination of the possible caution that goes along with a new product, as well as technical complications must be dealt with before mass distribution can even be considered. Recent speculation by Krause and his research team have posed the spray-on condom could reach consumers within the year in Europe, and possibly by 2010 in the United States.
To learn more about the spray-on condom, feel free to check out this article.