Because people are always trying to find a way around using condoms (which we understand, but you just have to do it) and in some cultures just won't wear them for whatever reason, researchers in Melbourne have discovered that rubbing oestrogen on the head of a penis could help prevent the transmission of HIV.
Regular topical applications of oestrogen on the head of the penis could increase "could induce a thickening of the keratin layer of the foreskin epidermis in the same way as it acts in the vagina.”
We weren't aware of how keratin works in the vagina, but apparently, it acts as a barrier for viral infections, which helps prevent the spread of diseases.
But first of all, if this is really being developed for use in countries where circumcision and condoms are rare, how much more likely is it than men will use this? And, um, how are they actually going to test this to make sure it works? "Sir, we'd like to pay you one million dollars to be part of a clinical study where you get to have lots and lots of sex. But you might get HIV...Okay, okay. One point five million."
[Science Daily via BoingBoing]
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