October 26, 2011 - It's a time-saving measure that an inventor hopes will also save lives.
Thanks to its patented applicator, the Pronto condom can be applied in a few seconds and aims to appeal to those who get turned off by conventional (and sometimes inconvenient) condoms. It's currently for sale in South Africa, the country with the highest population of people infected with HIV.
According to the company's website, South African inventor Willem van Rensburg recognized the need for a condom that can be applied rapidly and with little effort, "as conventional condoms tend to 'spoil the moment.'"
It rolled out in a test market in South Africa and officially launched this year with a cheeky, mostly safe-for-work video (it does contain some salty language) and Facebook campaign with the tagline "Get it on Pronto."
The company says it's now ready to grant distribution licenses around the world, starting with Switzerland.
How does it work? Crack the foil packet, pull and hold both halves apart, then roll. The applicator is snapped off.
An experienced person can do it in three seconds - but technique does matter.
The company warns that improper application "will be both uncomfortable and embarrassing," and urges Pronto patrons to watch the demo video and play the game on the company's website .
"Reproduced with permission - Torstar Syndication Services"
