Here's to safer sex: Now, a condom that fights STDs

Imagine a condom that not only stops pregnancy but also kills germs that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A condom like this has just received approval for mass production in Australia.

Imagine a condom that not only stops pregnancy but also kills germs that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A condom like this has just received approval for mass production in Australia.

"Consumers can expect to see the 'ground-breaking new sexual health' product on the shelves soon," Peter Carroll, president of the Australian firm Ansell that will sell the product, said.

The key ingredient that kills the germs is 0.5% concentrated astodrimer sodium solution called VivaGel - part of the condom's lubricant.

The VivaGel binds on to germs and does not allow them to interact with human cells in the body. VivaGel is already approved for supply to Japan's largest condom maker Okamoto Industries.

The new Australian approvals will allow it to be launched in the domestic market in a few months. VivaGel can disable 99.9% of HIV, herpes and human papilloma virus on contact, media reports said.