Worried a sexual partner might have a STI? Students have invented a condom to fix that.

by Mamamia Team June 24, 2015

Image via iStock.

It’s like a contraceptive mood ring, although changing colours is really the last thing you want to see when you use it.

Meet S.T.EYE, the latest ‘smart’ condom that alerts you if your partner has an STI.

How does it do this? It, erm, changes colour.

The concept is the brainchild of three 13 and 14-year-old students in the UK (unlikely inventors, no?) as a way to solve increasing infection rates and has earned the group a TeenTech award for best health innovation.

The condom would include a layer impregnated with molecules that attach to the viruses and bacteria of some of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

This would make the molecules glow a certain colour in low light dependent on the particular infection it detects, such as green for chlamydia, yellow for herpes, purple for HPV and blue for syphilis, said the designers. (Post continues after gallery.)

History's worst contraceptives

Blacksmith water

Crocodile dung with honey

Fizzy Cola

Ground beaver testicles with moonshine.

Metal Thimbles

Onion Juice

Pig Intestines

Weasel testicles

The idea comes as health groups (both local and international) are reporting a significant rise in the number of STI cases, which many attribute to the use of “hook up” apps like Tinder.

According to Queensland Health, Chlamydia cases have risen 13 per cent since September 2012 (when Tinder first launched), while cases of Gonorrhoea have also increased by 10 per cent in the same period.

“We created the S.T.EYE as a new way for STI detection to help the future of the next generation,” co-creator 14 year-old Daanyaal Ali told the Daily Mail.

“We wanted to create something that makes detecting harmful STIs safer than ever before, so that people can take immediate action in the privacy of their own homes without the invasive procedures at the doctors.”. (Post continues after gallery.)

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pill

The Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine device

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

Condoms

The male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condom

The female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

Diaphragm

Like the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implant

This is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ring

Vaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo Provera

Depo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pill

Emergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

“We’ve made sure we’re able to give peace of mind to users and make sure people can be even more responsible than ever before,” he said

The students hope they can turn their idea into a reality in the future.

While anything that promotes safe sex, reduces the risk of catching STIs and encourages people to get check out is to be celebrated and applauded, we do have a few questions.

1. How do you know if the colour has changed, considering it’s got to be inserted into the vagina first? Do you have to pause, check then give the go-ahead?