Malaysian doctor invents revolutionary unisex condom
The “Face of Global Sex Report 2012” by Durex revealed that 54% of Malaysians use protection when having their first sexual intercourse, ranking 13th among 37 countries surveyed globally that practised safe sex. But a more recent survey by the Malaysian Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) found that 35% youth aged between18 to 29 do not know the importance of protection to prevent pregnancy. The Fifth Malaysian Population and Family Survey 2014 by the National Population and Family Development Board by Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, showed that 4.8% Malaysian adolescents between 13 and 24 years old have had sexual intercourse.Its Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim had noted not only the number of sexual issues among youths has been rising, 104 babies were dumped last year, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are more prevalent today.
In Malaysia, abortion is legal under Section 312 of the Penal Code which states that a termination of pregnancy is permitted in circumstances where there is risk to the life of the pregnant woman or threat of injury to her physical or mental health.
But one Malaysian doctor who is ‘sick and tired’ of abortions want women to be equipped with the knowledge and aware of the options they have to make informed decisions. Dr. John IC Tang, a gynaecologist for over 20 years, who is based in Sibu, Sarawak has invented and patented a new and revolutionary unisex condom.
The Wondaleaf, priced at RM8 per pack, is ultra-thin. At 20 microns thick, the film is 2.5 times the size of a red blood cell, which is 8 microns thin, making for a pleasing sensation for both parties.Compared to a regular condom which typically dulls the senses, making using contraceptives less than attractive, Wondaleaf is one fourth of its thickness.
It is the world’s first regional barrier contraception which aims to completely prevent unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as provide menstrual control, subject to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration – USA) and MDA (Medical Device Authority – Malaysia) approvals.
The film is also unisex, where both men and women can use it, breaking down barriers between genders. It is also made from polyurethane, which is claimed to be stronger and thinner than latex, apart from being waterproof and highly flexible. Chemically inert polyurethane film has long been used in both male and female condom industries. It is stronger, thinner and provides better tactile and heat transfers than latex or nitrile used in standard condoms and female condoms.
Marketed asan ‘adhesive panty with a pouch’, the film has an extended adhesive shield covering the entire external genitalia to prevent direct skin contact and exchange of body fluid between sexual partners during sexual intercourse.Basically, the film is inserted into the female’s vagina, and the extended adhesive shield covers the entire external genitalia. For men, it will also cover the entire men’s genitalia, including the scrotum and pubic hair.
He claims one can even use it even for a second round, as nothing stays in there, and nothing goes out. However, removing it proved to be slightly painful, so to this, the doctor advises placing any kind of cream or lubricant on the pubic hair before placing the film on.
According to a report, a source within the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said that they are excited with this invention and once the FDA and MDA approves it, they would like to promote it to the Procurement Headquarter in Copenhagen for review. The source also said that the film could be one of the global suppliers of female condoms under the UNFPA procurement system.
Although at the moment, the doctor has applied for Wondaleaf to be categorised as a ‘Class A’ medical device product, the Malaysian made contraceptive is not ready to be commercialised.
And while clinical trials may take a few years, undergoing rigorous testing to ensure that it is up to market standards and that it will be strong enough for its users, Wondaleaf is now a novelty.
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