CSD500 "Viagra Condoms" have Zanifil Gel to Increase Blood flow

A team of researchers at the British biotech firm Futura Medical has developed a solution for men who find it difficult to maintain an erection while wearing a condom. The concept is deceptively simple: Viagra condoms. The idea is that the condom itself should help men maintain an erection.

The tip of this new condom is coated with Zanifil, a liquid gel that purportedly increases the blood flow into the valves of the penis and thereby improves the erection. Subjects in clinical trials performed in the EU have reported that Zanifil produced more enduring erections as well as an increase in penis size.

Related Discussion in the EDGuider Forum: Med2002 Zanifil topical gel
 
This new condom is currently known as clinically as CSD500, but a more marketing-friendly name will no doubt be presented soon. The product has been licensed in the UK by the Reckitt Benckiser Group, the world's largest producer of household products, and will be marketed under their Durex brand. European regulators are reportedly close to a final approval of the erection improving condom and it should be in stores by the end of 2011. It will be a while yet before the Viagra condom reaches the United States, however, as its safety and effectiveness will have to be proven once again - this time to American regulators.

As for whether the condom will have any greater impact for the erectile dysfunction community, Dr. Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Health, commented to CBS News that the new condoms were an "interesting" and "novel" idea, but he was otherwise cautious. It is particularly important, he said, to ensure that "the drug does not pass from the condom to the woman." He was also concerned that the condom may not be up to the standards of American legislation.

Men are hopeful for the Viagra Condom

The Viagra condom is a nonetheless a wonderful new challenge for the prophylactic industry, which otherwise sees few major innovations and guards its patents closely. Some are quite hopeful that CSD500 will change the face of condoms forever. Instead of an uncomfortable or necessary evil, a condom that increases rather than decreases the erection could become desirable. In time, condoms on a whole could become better established as a legitimate part of sexual expression and safer sex would result.

But a condom that maintains erections has yet another part to play in the world of safe sex: wavering erections often cause condoms to slip off, which greatly increases the risk of pregnancy. A stable erection, combined with condom usage, leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies.

The Viagra condom certainly has potential. If it lives up to that potential, however, won't be seen for several more months.

We will keep you updated on its progress and release dates.