Doctor in South Africa invents female condoms with “teeth” to fight rape
Dr. Ehlers created a female condom with sharp teeth inside of the condom that would clasp onto the male gentialia during penetration.
In South Africa, Dr. Sonnet Ehlers was on call one night four decades ago when a devastated rape victim walked in. Ever since Dr. Ehlers made it a mission to create a device that can protect girls and women in some form.
Dr. Ehlers created a female condom with sharp teeth inside of the condom that would clasp onto the male gentialia during penetration. Dr. Ehlers consulted engineers, gynecologists and psychologists to help in the design of the female condom and make sure it was safe. Once the product lodges, only a doctor can remove it . This procedure will ideally be done with authorities on standby to make an arrest. The product is designed in a way, so that it hurts so that he cannot pee and walk when it’s on. When trying to remove it, it will clasp even tighter. However, it doesn’t break the skin, and there’s no danger of fluid exposure.
Even though, the innovation has its dimensions, it does not seem to be a long-term solution to the problems women are facing. The device can be a constant anticipation and reminder that they can get attacked and assaulted. This can create psychological trauma and false security. Another factor is that even if the device comes in use, it will not prevent any psychological trauma that a woman will be subjected to after assault.
With South Africa having one of the highest rape rates in the world, and the affected women not getting immediate access to medical care, this device could help women and girls have some sort of security. Dr Ehlers explains that women take drastic measures to prevent rape in South Africa, by wearing extra tight biker shorts or inserting razor blades wrapped in sponges in their private parts.
Unfortunately factors such as the price of the product and the psychological damage that comes with constantly feeling of being in danger, come with this device. It is not a solution to the horrific rape situation in South Africa, yet it may hopefully lead to a solution.
