Scientists invent self-lubricating condom with Bill Gates funding

Bill
Gates spoke at the Malaria Summit in April 2018 in
London.
Shutterstock/Jack Taylor/Getty
Images

• Scientists have invented a new self-lubricating condom
  that becomes slippery on contact and could make using the
  contraceptive more pleasurable.
• Their work, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates
  Foundation, has resulted in a condom that stays slippery for
  more than 1,000 thrusts.
• The scientists say that this could increase condom
  usage and cut down on sexually transmitted disease and unwanted
  pregnancies.
• 
  43% of those who took part in the study said such
  a condom would increase their condom usage.
  

Scientists have invented a new self-lubricating condom with money
from Bill Gates, and it could cut down on sexually transmitted
disease and unwanted pregnancies by making condoms more appealing
to use.

The study, published
in the Royal Society Open journal, describes how the
rubber latex is coated with a thin layer of
hydrophilic polymers that, upon contact with moisture, become
slippery to the touch, making the lubricant last longer
and removing the need to add more lubricant during
sex.

It could last at least 1,000 thrusts without losing slipperiness
and should be more comfortable than regular condoms.

The scientists, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
tested regular condoms with a shop-bought, water-based lubricant
and found that they were initially slippery but became less so
after around 600 thrusts.

Intercourse typically lasts for between 100 and 500 thrusts, the
study said.

Researcher Prof Mark Grinstaff, from Boston University, told the BBC:
“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.”

Thirty-three men and women tested both types of condoms.
Seventy-three percent rated the self-lubricating one more
highly. 

Of those that said they “never” use condoms, 86% said they
would prefer an inherently slippery condom and 43% said that an
inherently slippery condom would increase their condom
usage.

Clinical trials with couples to see how the condoms compare in
real-life settings could begin early next year,
Grindstaff said.

A spin-off company from the university is now looking to develop
a product for sale.