The latex condom came to market almost 70 years ago, followed by the addition of lubrication and the reservoir tip.
Since then, there haven’t been any significant developments in the market, beyond ‘cosmetic’ additions such as ribs, dots and flavors, or alternative materials like polyisoprene or polyurethane for those who can’t tolerate latex. The actual design of the condom is basically the same as it was when it was introduced.
The major global condom manufacturers have a virtual monopoly, and don’t feel the need to innovate, explains Cindy Gallop, respected feminist activist.
LELO, the world leader in intimate lifestyle products, recently told us however, that it will be launching a revolutionary condom this summer, called the LELO HEX™. We don’t know much about what to expect, except that the company has engineered an entirely new condom design, and is hoping to renew how people relate to condoms.
“We’ve had something that works reasonably well, so brands weren’t pushing to completely reinvent it,” says Dr. Zhana Vrangalova PhD, a sex researcher, writer and professor of Human Sexuality at NYU. Many people simply don’t like them, because they feel that condoms detract from the physical sensations of sex, she adds. “Our attitudes about sex have shifted in a positive direction since the invention of the condom. Although there have been countless innovations in the world of sexual pleasure, sex education, and sexual health, the condom has remained basically the same.”
“The condom industry drastically needs a shake up, and the only way to do that is through genuine innovation that convinces consumers the condom has changed for good!” says Steve Thomson, LELO’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Stay up-to-date on the launch of the HEX™, special offers and giveaways at lelocondoms.com.