
Ready for barely-there contraception? We bet you are. And if scientists have their way, you'll have it in the next few years. Here's what the future of safe sex looks like:
DUAL-USE VAGINAL RING
WHAT IT IS: A flexible ring inserted vaginally for up to three months. Prevents unwanted pregnancies and HIV and other STIs.
WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE: The current ring only protects against pregnancies.
WHEN AVAILABLE: In five to 10 years.
WILL WE ACTUALLY WANT IT? Could be revolutionary for women who can't remember to take the pill.
MICROBICIDES
WHAT IT IS: Like spermicides that prevent pregnancy but also kills STI and HIV pathogens.
WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE: Some lubes and condoms already contain spermicides but not STI-busting compounds.
WHEN AVAILABLE: In five years.
WILL WE ACTUALLY WANT IT? Probably mostly as backup protection.
PERICOITAL PILL
WHAT IT IS: A contraceptive pill used before or after getting busy.
WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE: It's an "on-demand" dose like the morning-after pill, but can be taken before sex.
WHEN AVAILABLE: Research funding has been difficult; only time will tell.
WILL WE ACTUALLY WANT IT? Ditching a daily pill is certainly attractive.
BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT
WHAT IT IS: An implant that releases low levels of progestin, one of the two hormones in the pill, and disintegrates in the body when it's no longer effective.
WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE: Removal isn't necessary unless you want to conceive.
WHEN AVAILABLE: In 10 years.
WILL WE ACTUALLY WANT IT? One less trip to the doctor may mean more appeal.
CLEAN-SHEETS PILL
WHAT IT IS: A pre-sex pill for men that produces a semen-free orgasm, cutting the risk of STI transmission and unwanted pregnancy.
WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE: All of the fun, none of the mess.
WHEN AVAILABLE: Researchers are still attempting to fund an animal study, so humans won't see the pill for a long time.
WILL WE ACTUALLY WANT IT? A hard sell for research funders; a harder one for men.
-
Fans Are Already Clamoring for Season 3 of 'Shadow and Bone'
Here's where the fantasy series could go next.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Liv Hewson Is Worth the Buzz
When the Aussie-born actor was cast as Van in Showtime’s hit 'Yellowjackets' the character was barely in the pilot. Now, Hewson’s the scene-stealing comic relief and one-half of the show’s It Couple—and they’re prepared to take on an even bigger role in season two.
By Jessica Goodman
-
I’m a Beauty Editor—Here’s What I’m Shopping During Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale
Prepare to stock up on Fenty, Kiehl’s, Stila, and more for 50 percent off.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The vibes are immaculate.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Best Period Sex Tips, According to Sex Experts
Who says messy can't be sexy?
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 20 Best Sex Games for Couples in 2023
Who said game nights need to be wholesome?
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 14 Best Lubes of All Time
Good sex should always go smoothly.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce
-
100 Sex Songs That Won't Make You Cringe
Dim the lights and hit play on this sex songs — the perfect playlist of songs to have sex to.
By The Editors
-
75 Real Sex Scenes in Movies
These actors aren't faking anything.
By Mehera Bonner
-
33 Unexpected Valentine's Day 2023 Date Ideas
A.k.a. not dinner and roses.
By The Editors