The female condom protects women from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unwanted pregnancies, and most recently, prevented anti-climactic sex. IXu LLC, a Michigan-based condom company, developed a new wearable-tech product for women, the VA w.o.w., that has a 100 percent orgasm rate by the fourth time of use. The condom, which features a vibrating star- or heart-shaped sleeve, keeps it from slipping too far into the vagina while also increasing her pleasure.

IxU LLC condom line
IxU LLC condom line. IXULLC.com

The combination of basic female condoms with miniaturized electronic sex toys is due to the rising popularity of these adult novelties. They are being sold now in neighborhood drugstores next to condoms. A 2014 study found an equal number of both men and women bought sex toys off the UK retailer Lovehoney, with the average ordering totaling $59, although men spent about 19 percent more on average than women did on the site. These men were also more likely to pay for next-day shipping.

The surfacing of sex toys in the global market compelled the company to commercialize the technology of “smart” condoms with miniaturized electronic sex toys. The combination of these two items creates a “hi-tech hybrid condom” that “works!” according to the press release. The vibrating ring’s Bluetooth-capability provides safe sex while ensuring an orgasm. This addresses the Gates Foundation contest criteria that IXu met: “a new condom people would prefer to use — even more than using no condom at all.”

Pink frame white sponge condom
Pink frame white sponge condom. IXULLC.com

Similar to other female condoms, VA w.o.w., can be inserted up to eight hours before sex, while the outer ring prevents it from getting pushed inside the vagina during sex. Now, compared to other condoms on the market, this condom guarantees an orgasm, based on a user survey. The company found out of 50 women between the ages of 20 and 40 who tried the vibrating condom, 70 percent achieved an orgasm on first use, 84 percent on second use, and 100 percent by fourth use.

"It was a higher orgasm rate for women than even for men," CEO Brian Osterberg told the Daily Dot. "It just goes to show how powerful the technology is."

VA w.o.w. is still not on the market just yet. Currently it’s awaiting Food and Drug Administration approval. "Typically the difficulties of FDA approval is the expense, the millions of dollars needed for clinical evaluation," Osterberg said. "There’s been some hesitation to spend the money to test something if it seems similar to a product that failed."

Red heart ring condom
Red heart ring condom. IXULLC.com

It could become a bedroom must-have once it receives approval in the U.S. Until then, at least for American ladies, it’s all just a wishful happy ending. The vibrating condom is expected to hit shelves in Europe in the next 12 to 18 months.