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The Search for the Next Generation Condom

By HERWriter
 
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 searching for the condom for the next generation Auremar/PhotoSpin

They’re cheap, easy to make, prevent unplanned pregnancy and protect against a range of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including AIDS, wrote NBCNews.com. What is this great product? We’re talking about condoms.

But getting people to use them can be a challenge across the globe. So why hasn’t someone designed a condom that more people want to use?

Bill Gates wants to facilitate just that. ABCNews.com reported that Gates will give a $100,000 grant to whoever can invent the next generation condom through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges in Global Health.

"We are looking for a Next Generation Condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure, in order to improve uptake and regular use," wrote GrandChallenges.org. The Foundation also would like the new condom to increase ease-of-use for male and female condoms and overcome cultural barriers.

The statistics are deadly serious. CNN.com stated that 34 million people in the world are living with HIV, according the 2012 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report. About half of them don't know they're infected, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

CNN.com added that while researchers say condoms are one of the best ways to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS, their use isn’t as widespread as it should be.

The Gates Foundation says that a lot of men perceive condoms as interfering with sexual pleasure and won't use them consistently, said NPR.org.

In some places and cultures, condom use is often seen as a sign a man has AIDS, and many women won't sleep with such men, continued CNN.com. Female condoms can be even more difficult to use and women are often afraid to suggest using them.

The goal behind the next generation condom grant is to develop a product without this stigma, in addition to enhancing sexual pleasure. NBCNews.com wrote that the Gates Foundation hopes such a product will bring about substantial benefits in global health, both in terms of reducing unplanned pregnancy and preventing infection with HIV or other STIs.

Male condoms date back to at least the 16th century, when a linen cloth was soaked in chemicals to prevent syphilis, said NPR.org. Over the last few centuries, condom material evolved from animal intestines and bladder to rubber and now latex.

The Gates Foundation says condom designs haven’t changed much from day one while material science, neurobiology and medicine have come a long way, wrote NBCNews.com.

NYMag.com reported that the Gates Foundation wants "something that will lead men and women outside of a committed relationship to stop and think twice before having unprotected sex," and they want it quickly.

The deadline for the next generation condom proposal submissions is May 7, 2013.

Sources:

"Bill Gates tackles the ‘next generation’ condom." Washington Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2013/03/25/bill-gates-tackles-the-next-generation-condom

Bourin, Lennart. "Gates wants geeks to build a better condom - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/health/bill-gates-condom-challenge

Fox, Maggie. "Gates Foundation challenge shoots for a better condom - Vitals." Vitals. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/25/17455537-gates-foundation-challenge-shoots-for-a-better-condom?lite

"Gates Foundation Says It's Time For A Snazzier Condom : Shots - Health News : NPR." NPR: National Public Radio: News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/03/25/175258772/gates-foundation-says-i

Lupkin, Sydney. "Bill Gates Offers Grant for ‘Next Generation Condom’ - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Latest News & Top Video News - ABC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/03/25/bill-gates-offers-grant-for-next-generation-condom

"Next Generation Condom Round 11." Grand Challenges in Global Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2013.
http://www.grandchallenges.org/Explorations/Topics/Pages/NextGenerationCondomRound11.aspx

Paunescu, Delia. "Bill Gates Wants a New Condom Patent Yesterday -- Daily Intelligencer." New York Magazine -- NYC Guide to Restaurants, Fashion, Nightlife, Shopping, Politics, Movies. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/bill-gates-wants-a-new-condom-patent-yesterday.html

Reviewed April 4, 2013
by MIchele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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