This New Tampon Could Prevent STDs

Scientists at the University of Washington are currently working on a dissolvable “tampon” that may be able to protect you from HIV, other STDs, and even pregnancy without the need for a condom during sex.

According to The Huffington Post, a study published in the Journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy explains how the tampon works: “[R]esearchers combined silky, electrically spun fibers with maraviroc — a drug currently approved to help treat HIV infections that may also prevent healthy people from acquiring the virus. Within minutes of coming into contact with moisture, the fibers dissolve, releasing a high dose of the medication.”

Lead researcher, Cameron Ball, said users would be able to insert the tampon just a few minutes before sex in order to be protected. “We want something that dissolves quickly so that people can say, ‘Hey, I wasn’t planning on it, but I’m going to have sex in five minutes so I need to use this product, and I want it to be completely dissolved before that,’” he added.

Hmmm... an interesting development, indeed! It could take about 10 years before anything like the 'disease-preventing tampon' hits shelves. According to the researchers, it could still be five years before there are any clinical studies involving humans, and another five years before the product reaches the masses.

You may need to keep your condoms close for now, don't get careless too soon but the future is definitely bright.