KUCHING, OCTOBER 29: A Sarawakian gynaecologist, Dr John Tang Ing Chin, has created what he described as being the world’s first unisex condom that can be worn by both females and males.
‘Wondaleaf Unisex Condom’, a product made from a medical grade material usually used as a dressing for injuries and wounds.
Its inventor, Dr Tang, who runs Tang Specialist Clinic in Sibu, said he first came up with the idea of the condom after being troubled by the high rate of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. He also saw a need for an alternative form of contraception, due to the side effects and high cost of hormonal birth control for women.
He hopes the Wondaleaf unisex condom will empower people to take better control of their sexual health regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.
The gynaecologist from Twin Catalyst medical supplies noted that it was 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.
“I always gown up properly to avoid contamination of bodily fluid from my patients and this is much better than washing myself up or taking prophylactic medications for specific infections,” he said.
The adhesive is only applied to one side of the condom, meaning it can be reversed and used by either sex.
Tang made the condoms using polyurethane, a material used in transparent wound dressings that is thin and flexible yet strong and waterproof.
He explained that the Wondaleaf had gone through several rounds of clinical research and testing and would be available commercially via the firm’s website this December.
Each box of Wondaleaf contains two condoms, and will cost RM14.99. The average price for a dozen condoms in Malaysia is between RM20 – RM40.
