Sex in the future--what lies ahead
When you think about sex in the future, what comes to mind? Would it be liaisons with robots, an out of this world gadget, or even a combination of both? Although this may be a reality in the future, we’re thinking in a more practical mind frame. There is a lot to be said about sexual health, innovations and practices in the future. This section is designed to inform you with the most up-to-date research and products that can affect your sexual health and life.
The spray-on condom
Finding the right sized condom can be tricky for some men. Putting it on correctly every time can also be challenging for some. To address this, inventors in Germany have been working on a solution--a spray-on condom. Still in the development stages, the spray-on condom could potentially resolve problems of user error. As conceived, the condom would be easy to apply and would fit better and feel more comfortable than a traditional condom. But while the idea is intriguing, there is still work to be done before the product can get to market.
One challenge will be getting men comfortable with the application device. To apply the spray on condom, a male must insert his penis into a long tube with nozzles nside that spray liquid latex. Some men who tested the condom were intimidated by the device and felt the noise it made when applying the condom was distracting at best. But the biggest hurdle at the moment is the time it takes for the liquid latex to dry.
While there is work to be done, then, this product would be one to watch, as condoms are an essential part of safer sex. Condoms don't just act as contraceptives--they also prevent the spread of most sexually transmitted infections.
Male Birth Control Pill
Preventing unplanned pregnancy is a significant issue for couples everywhere. Most of the burden has been laid upon the woman to prevent pregnancy (with the exception of condoms), but that could soon change. Researchers at the University of Washington Medical Center are working on a new option for guys--a male birth control pill. The male version of "the pill," like the female version, is a hormonal form of birth control. Using testerone, the pill is designed to help block the production of sperm, like the female pill blocksthe release of an egg each month in a female.
While researchers say they are still years away from getting to a final product, the development of "the pill" for men would be a welcome option.
Microbicides
Microbicides could represent the "wave of the future" in HIV and STI prevention around the world. Microbicides work by providing protection against infection by viruses and bacteria that cause STIs, including HIV. According to the Global Campaign for Microbicides, more than 6,000 women and girls get HIV every day--mostly from unsafe sex with their husbands and boyfriends. Microbicides will offer women a way to help reduce their risk of getting HIV and/or STIs when their partner cannot or will not wear a condom consistently.
While no microbicide products are currently commercially available, researchers say they could be produced in many forms--gels, creams, sponges, or a vaginal ring that can be inserted into the vagina or the rectum. The goal is to provide women with a safe, easy, and private way to protect themselves against HIV and possibly other STIs. While it is diffult to say how long it will take to find a microbicide that is both safe and effective, several microbicides are current being tested in clinical trials and hopefully will be ready for release within the next 5 or 10 years.
