American invents new condom that covers only the tip (Photos)

When it comes to safe sex, there is a much-needed barrier that stands in the way between you and your partner — the condom — also known as the “necessary evil.” Despite its 98 percent effective rate at preventing unwanted pregnancy and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when used correctly, condoms are prone to slipping, breaking, and decreasing sexual sensitivity during love-making sessions. But the future of contraception, specifically the condom as we know it, may lie just at the tip, with the creation of the Galactic Cap (G Cap).

“Initially, the Galactic Cap is designed only as a pregnancy prevention product. It will greatly reduce unwanted pregnancy because it enhances sexual pleasure, and this enjoyment will encourage its use,” said Charlie Powell, Inventor of the Galactic Cap, in avideo. Powell, a Torrance, Calif., native, has marketed the condom to be a barrier method that effectively traps semen all while increasing the much-desired sensitivity of sexual intercourse.

The innovative two-piece prophylactic device fits only on the very tip of the penis, working in two parts. The first piece is a U-shaped polyurethane adhesive film that can be applied “hours or even days before sex,” allowing for urination and showering. The second piece is a reservoir cap that attaches by adhesive to the base film, leaving the high sensitively coronal ridge and shaft fully exposed. This is applied right before sexual activity.

“It leaves the coronal ridge and shaft exposed for more powerful orgasm,” Powell told LA Weekly. However, when it comes to protection against the transmission of STDs or certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) — transmitted via skin-to-skin contact — the G Cap may not suffice for prevention. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support that this condom can protect you from the STDs your sex partners may be carrying.

While Powell’s invention still had to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the polyeurethane adhesive has generated buzz not only for the average Joe with common bedroom woes, but also the adult video industry. Last week,Free Speech Coalition, a delegation of porn stars, lobbied lawmakers in Sacramento over the mandate for porn industry actors to wear condoms during sex. They believe wearing condoms during sex is intrusive and a violation of their First Amendment rights,Breitbart News reported. However, their protests may be rooted in the fact their consumers are turned off by the concept of actors wearing condoms in pornos.

The G Cap provides a less intrusive option for those who are tired of not “feeling anything” during sexual intercourse. Powell’s creation can be supported via his Indiegogo campaign, which will launch on June 1. The innovator, who was inspired by a friend’s 1980s HIV death, said “I don’t want to position this product as an adult toy,” he said. “It’s serious.”