World’s first unisex condom: ‘Once you put it on, you often don’t realise that it’s there’

A gynaecologist has created what is believed to be the world’s first unisex condom.

Made from a medical grade material usually used as a dressing for injuries and wounds, the condom features an adhesive to attach to a vagina or penis.

Malaysian gynaecologist John Tang Ing Chinh says he hopes the invention will improve sexual health in his country.

The adhesive is only applied to one side of the condom, he said, so it can be reversed and used by either sex.

The condoms are made using polyurethane, a material which features in transparent wound dressings that is thin and flexible – but also strong and waterproof.

“Once you put it on, you often don’t realise that it’s there,” Mr Tang said, referring to dressings made from the material.

“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,” he added.

Mr Tang described the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom as “basically a regular condom with an adhesive covering… that attaches to the vagina or penis, as well as covering the adjacent area for extra protection”.

Each box of Wondaleaf contains two condoms, and will cost 14.99 ringgit ($3.61). The average price for a dozen condoms in Malaysia is 20-40 ringgit.

Following several rounds of clinical testing, Mr Tang expects the product to be available online in December.