'Super Condoms' Can Combat HIV While Increasing Sexual Pleasure, Texas Scientists Claim
A contraceptive aid made by scientists at the Texas A & M Health Science Center has been dubbed the "Super Condom" because it combats the spread of HIV while increasing sexual pleasure.
The super condoms were designed by Texas scientists from the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy at the university. The contraceptive is made from an elastic polymer hydrogel which is composed primarily of water.
"Supercondom could help fight against HIV infection and may as well prevent unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases and If we succeed, it will revolutionise the HIV prevention initiative," lead researcher Mahua Choudhury said.
"We are not only making a novel material for condoms to prevent the HIV infection, but we are also aiming to eradicate this infection if possible," lead researcher Mahua Choudhury said, as reported by RT.
The contraceptives will contain plant-based antioxidants that will help combat the HIV virus by stopping it from multiplying if the condom breaks. The substance also helps increase sexual pleasure because it can stimulate neurotransmitters that will make the nerve endings more sensitive.
"People say they don't want to use condoms because it doesn't have the same sexual pleasure.The antioxidant (in the condom) will enhance neurotransmitters which will work with nerve endings, giving greater sexual pleasure," Dr. Choudhury told BBC. "If the HIV virus gets into the product, the condom will block it, prevent it replicating, and prevent entry (from the body)."
The anti-HIV condoms might be available to the public very soon and according to the Mirror, it could be as early as 2016. The condoms might be priced to be sold at $1 each as well.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and it is currently an untreatable condition which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS, according to the Aids.org. The virus affects the immune system, specifically, it targets cells that help the body destroy disease and infection which can lead to serious health complications. The HIV virus can be managed by taking antiretroviral therapy and people who HIV positive can lead normal lives as long as they maintain their medication.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 1.2 million people living in the United States who are infected with HIV and about 1 in 8 of them are undiagnosed or unaware of the infection. Those who have a higher risk of getting the infection are homosexual males and bisexuals and those of African American races are the most seriously affected by the disease.