Condoms and car washes, more alike than you think
Lisa Kane
According to the New York Times magazine, one of the years “best ideas,” comes in the form of latex, spray-on condom.Invented by a German sex health educator, Jan Vinzenz Krause, the spray-on condom offers a form of individual comfort while retaining optimal protection.
The prototype consists of a hard plastic tube with nozzles that spray liquid latex from all directions, much like the water jets in the tunnel of a car wash.
The latex itself takes two to three minutes to dry, and creates a custom fit for each individual while providing optimal protection during intercourse.
Afterward, the latex rolls off just as any other condom would, making easy proper disposal.
“The idea of putting on a condom that conveniently is appealing, but I think I might be a little afraid of putting my penis in a ‘car wash’ like contraption,” said student Tom Wilkes. “What if it’s uncomfortable and it ruins my mood entirely?”
There are a couple of downfalls to the invention’s convenience; the tube is said to make a “hissing sound” as the latex dispenses, as well as the latex being cold.
“See, those two faults are enough to turn me off of the idea,” said Wilkes. “Those are two vital aspects to my mood.”
Sexual-health educators, public health officials and condom brand CEOs alike are interested in finding ways to make condoms more appealing, especially to young people.
Krause’s invention is not only appealing, but offers a custom-fitting contraceptive with the best comfort and individuality.
The spray-on condom is not yet available commercially, though, due to a few of its flaws.
Because the condom takes two to three minutes to dry, it is deemed impractical. Krause himself said in a Time magazine article that for people to buy it, the product must dry in five to ten seconds.
This has kept the spray-on condom on hold until faster-drying latex comes along.
Until then, the standard production condom will have to do.
