Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian gynaecologist has created the world’s first-ever unisex condom.
The condoms, made of the same material as transparent wound dressing, are reversible and can be worn by both men and women, claimed John Tang Ing Chinh, the inventor, reported Reuters.
Chinh, who works at a medical supplies firm, said the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom is made of medical-grade materials commonly used to dress wounds, such as polyurethane, and works like any other condom, with a few differences.
“It’s basically a regular condom with an adhesive covering. It attaches to the vagina or penis, as well as covers the adjacent area for extra protection,” he explained.
Chinh further said that the adhesive in the condom is applied on one side, so that it can be reversed and used by either sex.
As for the price, a box of Wondaleaf containing two condoms will cost $3.61 (around Rs 270) in Malaysia.
Several rounds of testing and clinical research were done on the new condom before it was formally announced as a unisex contraceptive.
“Based on the number of clinical trials we have conducted, I am quite optimistic that given time it will be a meaningful addition to the many contraceptive methods used in the prevention of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases,” Chinh said.
The product will be available via the firm’s website from December. It remains to be seen when it is marketed in India.
