New Local Condoms on the Market

Back in 16th century Italy, anatomist and physician Gabriele Falloppio wrote a piece on syphilis, which was the earliest description of condom use.

His essay describes linen sheaths soaked in a chemical solution which were dried before use. The cloths were then sized to cover the glans of the penis and secured with a ribbon – the physician claimed the linen cloths served as protection against syphilis.

Hundreds of years and many STDs later, linen sheaths have developed into a variety of latex, penis-shaped coverings, produced not only for protection, but for pleasure too as modern condoms smell, taste and feel enticing.

Commodity Exchange, a condom manufacturing plant situated in Prosperita in Windhoek, has since 1994 supplied public spaces with free Smile condoms, but have recently expanded their territory into the private sector. Research and development manager Bertranne Maritz said his company is expanding the fight against STDs and has decided that branching out with two new brands of condoms was the way to do so.

He mentioned that the Smile brand might not resonate with everyone, especially not the youth. “The Yolo condom is for our youth market. It’s now their own brand,” he said mentioning that Yolo comes in a ribbed-textured form and is bubblegum flavoured.

A brand that is a little more upmarket and for a man who is willing to put in the hours for sexual pleasure, G-Spot is their second new offering. “G-Spot is for the higher income market,” Maritz said, adding that G-Spot is also ribbed and comes in a black currant flavour. He didn’t specify why these flavours were chosen for each brand.

Maritz mentioned that Smile condoms are the only condoms in Namibia that undergo quality assurance testing and by expanding into the private sector, the two new brands will give customers a peace of mind when it comes to safety.

“We have certified quality assurance certificates. And these three bodies carry out audits and inspections three times a year respectively,” he said. Maritz mentioned that Commodity Exchange hasn’t lost any certificates since its inception.

When it comes to the moulding of the condom, Maritz mentioned that Namibia’s climate is not favourable. “The latex tree we use is only native to South East Asia – with hot tropical climates, it makes for a conducive environment for moulding the condoms.”

The raw moulded condoms are then received by Commodity Exchange, where they undergo different quality assurance tests. Maritz mentioned electronic pinhole testing, water leakage, bursting and ageing testing as the processes each condom goes through before making it to your bedroom.

One by one, each condom is electronically tested for microscopic pinholes by means of a high voltage scan. During this test, condoms are placed over metal forms which are sent through an electric field. The insulating characteristics of rubber allows this test to detect microscopic holes and thin spots in the condom. This ensures that all condoms are of the highest quality before being individually rolled and transferred to the wrapping unit.

The visual leak tester is a compact device complying with international quality control standards. It consists of a carousel with 10 condom holders mounted on an ergonomic stainless steel stand with an integral water reservoir.

It fills each condom with 300ml of water for one minute and examines them for water leakage through the wall of the suspended condom. The condom is then removed from the mount, the open end is closed and it is rolled back and forth once. After this, the condom is yet again inspected for signs of water leakage.

The inflation test is an integral part of the international quality control Standard. Field laboratories in many countries now use the inflation test to determine the degree of deterioration of condoms that have been in storage. Samples of condoms are placed over air tubes and secured. The condoms are inflated with air, measuring the bursting volume and pressure to determine their overall strength.

The ageing oven is used to study degradation of plastic and rubber by subjecting it to heat in a rotational condition for a specified time. A one-week test at 70 degrees Celsius in the ageing oven is the theoretical equivalent to a five-year usage period in normal environmental conditions. Hot air circulation in the oven ensures even temperature distribution.

After testing, the condoms are lubricated, sealed and packaged, whereafter random samples are chosen and tested all over again.

A user of both condoms who didn’t want to be named said he enjoyed the brands, however G-Spot did it for him.

“It was sex like never before. I lasted much longer and the condoms are very strong as well,” he said.

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