There has been discussions by critics, such as women’s rights groups and HIV/AIDs activists, that this invention has the potential to provide more agency to women who may have little access to, or are forbidden to use condoms. Known as the “invisible condom”, this new technology works as a gel in the form of liquid, which is introduced into the vagina. It’s transparent, colorless, orderless and is said not to be felt by either the woman or her partner.
This invisible condom has been under study for 17 years and is currently being tested in human trails run by Laval University in Quebec. Basically, it is a gel containing microbiocides that act as a barrier to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Plus, with a bit of spermicide, it can be used to prevent pregnancy. Thus far, the invisible condom has shown to be effective for at least two hours if stored at room temperature.
The temperature required for its effectiveness is the current trouble for researchers. As Dr Michel Alary, an AIDS specialist for Laval University told BBC News back in 2000, “the extremely high temperatures in sub-Saharan African countries could prevent the gel working there if it requires room temperature to be effective. Refrigerators are not readily available for most women in the area, which has one of the highest rates of AIDS in the world.” More recent news on the research website does not state that this problem has been overcome yet.
Nonetheless, the purpose of this research is tremendous- demanding women have more control over their bodies; providing more negotiating power against AIDS and STIs- these are the social subjects that surround the discussion. But certainly, there are more individuals and social groups that can benefit from this invisible condom than what mainstream news has acknowledged: Lesbians and gay men, sex workers, teens, refugees, to name a few. Once this condom becomes available, new benefits and uses will arise, as this is common of new technology. According to WebMD, the World Health Organization hopes to supply subsidies for low-income countries. For North America and Europe, it should be the same price or cheaper than a male latex condom.