New stretch for condoms

Improvements in the manufacturing process for condoms has meant that the saying -˜showering in a raincoat’ is a thing of the past.

Managing director of GLYDE Health International Clive Woodworth said condoms are produced using a double dipping method now, which effectively layers the latex to ensure strength while maintaining a sheer sheath for greater sensitivity.

With the addition of a good water-based lubricant, most reports from surveys say the difference between no condoms (therefore non-safe sex) and a good quality condom with lubricant is minimal, he said.

Up until the ’90s, lubricant was not considered as an integral part of protected sex but today it’s highly unlikely that if condoms are used there would not be lubricant as well.

In recent years, latex intolerance has become an issue and there are people unable to use latex condoms without succumbing to a latex intolerance rash or worse.

Non-latex condoms are readily available now in Australia to compensate for this predicament, Woodworth said.

Condoms sold commercially in Australia must pass quality control tests such as ISO 4074. Woodworth said if you are unsure, it is better to be safe than sorry and condoms purchased overseas may not be of the same quality.

Generally all condoms sold here will be of a quality to have been approved for general sale by the Therapeutic Goods Authority, he said.

When it comes to adding flavour to condoms, manufacturers need to ensure they double wash the latex because the typical latex taste and smell can interact very poorly with flavouring to make the taste unlikeable.

info: For more on GLYDE Health visit glydehealth.com. For all your condom and lube needs, visit the Toolshed at toolshed.com.au or the Pleasure Chest at pleasurechest.com.au.