Malaysian gynaecologist invents ‘world’s first’ unisex condom
- John Tang Ing Chinh makes the condoms using a material used in transparent wound dressings that is thin and flexible yet strong and waterproof
- He said he hopes his invention will empower people to take better control of their sexual health regardless of their sex or sexual orientation
Its inventor hopes the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom will empower people to take better control of their sexual health regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.
“It’s basically a regular condom with an adhesive covering,” said John Tang Ing Chinh, a gynaecologist at medical supplies firm Twin Catalyst.
“It’s a condom with an adhesive covering that attaches to the vagina or penis, as well as covering the adjacent area for extra protection,” Tang said.
The adhesive is only applied to one side of the condom, he added, meaning it can be reversed and used by either sex.
Each box of Wondaleaf contains two condoms, and will cost 14.99 ringgit (US$3.61). The average price for a dozen condoms in Malaysia is 20-40 ringgit.
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Tang makes the condoms using polyurethane, a material used in transparent wound dressings that is thin and flexible yet strong and waterproof.
“Once you put it on, you often don’t realise that it’s there,” he said, referring to dressings made from the material.
Tang said the Wondaleaf had gone through several rounds of clinical research and testing and would be available commercially via the company’s website later this year.
“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,” Tang said.
