A new condom has been developed: beyond offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections, it would increase sexual pleasure.
- This condom is only sold in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- There is a limit to this study: the couples knew which condom they were using.
Combining business with pleasure is the idea of the creators of a new condom. Called CSD500, it offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections, but it would also increase the pleasure felt. It contains in particular a gel designed to improve firmness, size and duration of erection.
Condoms more accepted
In The Journal of Sex Research, scientists have tested the effects of this condom, in a study of 500 Vietnamese couples, having heterosexual monogamous relationships. For six months, they were able to use this new device and regularly answered a questionnaire. Some of the couples recruited used the new condoms, the others used versions “classics“.
“Both males and females in the group of condoms tested reported greater pleasure”, explain the authors. Men in the CSD500 test group indicated much better acceptability, reporting greater ease in putting on the condom and a more natural feel. “Nearly 16% even said that sex was much more enjoyable than sex without a condom.“, continue the authors. “By increasing blood flow to the penis and causing a firmer erection, using the CSD500 could make men feel more comfortable with condoms, and overcome perceived or real performance issues.”, adds Maria Gallo, the lead author of the study. Among women, the finding was similar: those who used the CSD500 were more satisfied.
A way to facilitate the use of condoms
“If men find sex pleasurable with the CSD500 condom, as many people in this study show, the condom or something similar could go a long way in overcoming barriers to protection.”, emphasizes Maria Gallo. According to the data collected during the study, approximately 9 to 37% of condom users had erection problems during the application or use of a condom “normal“.
“Condoms could be a powerful tool to prevent both the spread of infections and unwanted pregnancies.”, she believes. The author recalls that 80% of cases of HIV infection are linked to sexual relations with the spouse or main partner. “A condom such as the CSD500 could be useful for women in established relationships as they will find it less difficult to ask a partner to wear a condom for pleasure, rather than to protect against pregnancy or disease.”
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