Will "Galactic Cap" Condom Make Sex Out of This World?

On June 1, backers of a revolutionary new condom took to Indiegogo to raise money for the development of the "Galactic Cap," a condom based on a completely new design. It fits safely and securely only on the head of the penis, leaving the coronal ridge and shaft exposed for a more powerful orgasm.

"For four centuries, condoms have been taking the fun out of sex," said designer Charles Powell. "Sensual pleasure is a powerful motivator and we believe the Galactic Cap's design will attract more couples to condom use, which could have a far-reaching impact on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy."

Traditional condoms are unwieldy, they're difficult to apply and they reduce sensation. And while researchers have concluded the condom is the best defense against disease, they're still far from perfect.

Powell's innovative Galactic Cap is different from traditional condoms because it traps semen in an air tight reservoir cap that fits safely and securely over the head of the penis, leaving the entire shaft exposed for greater sensation.

The first part serves as a base; it is applied to the tip of the penis before a sexual encounter is expected, with no erection required. The base has a hole in the top that allows for urinating. When the sexual encounter is at hand, the second part, the cap, is quickly applied. The user peels off a backing and places the cap over the tip of the penis onto the base. Doing so creates a seal, preventing semen from escaping during ejaculation, and thus preventing pregnancy and some STDs.

Powell claims the Galactic Cap allows for more pleasure during sex because both the shaft and coronal ridge are left uncovered. He said that this will increase usage, helping to prevent unwanted pregnancies and some STDs -- the reason, said Powell, that he created the Galactic Cap in the first place.

"After a friend of mine contracted HIV from having unprotected sex I designed, developed and patented a revolutionary new condom called the Galactic Cap," said Powell. "It's a groundbreaking, game changing, world altering, potentially life saving product that may be one of the finest inventions of the 21st century.

Powell said that the Galactic Cap's unique design is safer and more secure because there's less material to tear or break and it traps semen in an airtight reservoir cap. It has a leak-proof seal and leaves more of a man's most sensitive skin exposed for stimulation.

But according to an article in Medical Express, this new condom won't stop STD infections, in most cases. It might slow HIV, which is most often transmitted via semen, but won't stop skin to skin transfers or those that transfer due to minute breakages in the skin, which often occur in the penis or in or around the vaginal opening.

"Thus, the new condom might be useful to monogamous couples (provided it works as advertised and is approved by the FDA) but most others hoping to protect themselves will likely reach for more traditional brands," they write.

But Powell is not thwarted, saying that traditional condoms fail 15-18 percent of the time, and that 95 percent of people don't like to use them. He hopes that the innovative design will at least increase condom use and promote healthier sex.

He has started his IndieGoGo campaign and has raised $3,330 of his $100,000 goal already. The campaign will run through July 1, and will fund development of the project, which Powell said could revolutionize safer sex.

"A condom doesn't have to be a sterile, pleasure-less experience," said Powell. "We deserve something better."