Roxanne Powell
Senior Content Editor
Every generation has their own version of “The Talk.” It’s evolved so much over the years, and so have the tools used to make sex safe for everyone involved.
But nothing can safeguard against STDs. Not completely. Not until now, or so we are led to believe. A new condom, the VivaGel, is rumored to be hitting the Australian market sometime in the next few months.
According to the Daily Mail:
“Tests have shown the VivaGel condom is effective in deactivating 99.9 per cent of HIV, herpes and human papilloma virus cases. Australian bio-tech firm Starpharma has developed the antiviral Viva Gel, the active ingredient designed to tackle sexually transmitted infections, in the condom’s lubricant. The product has now received a receipt of Conformity of Assessment Certification by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration – a similar certificate to the CE mark in Europe – paving the way for mass production. It means the condom, the first of its kind, should be available to buy in the coming months. The condoms are lubricated with VivaGel, which contains 0.5 per cent astodrimer sodium – a non-antibiotic, antimicrobial drug designed specifically as a compound against HIV. It is hoped the gel will help reduce the transmission of HIV and other STIs, while also reducing the risk of pregnancy.”
With everything we have been told about condoms up to this point, how can we take this new development seriously? Will it really be able to deactivate the majority of HIV? Whether or not this new product will be effective, it will be interesting to see how the public responds. If Australia gives it the thumbs up, it may just makes its way across the water to the US.
According to ABC.net.au:
“The gel is currently undergoing trials in the US for use in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, but has had a setback in some clinical trials where it was intended as an alternative to antibiotic treatment of the condition but rejected by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.”
What do you think about these new developments? Sound off below.
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