Now, a vibrator for men

In recent days gadget bloggers such as Gizmag and Techgadgets have been buzzing about a new handheld gadget for men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Viberect, just approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, promises to not only help men maintain rigidity without medications but also to deliver stronger orgasms.



The device is geared for men with mild to moderate ED, including those undergoing rehabilitation after a prostatectomy, or those with spinal cord injuries, which can interfere with the ability to ejaculate.

To aid erections, Viberect is used about seven to ten minutes prior to sexual intercourse to stimulate penile nerves.

"Instead of relying on a little blue pill to get things ready for the bedroom, the device, which looks a bit like a hair crimper, delivers targeted nerve stimulation to both dorsal and ventral surfaces of the penis using medical Softpads," writes Gizmag.

The device will launch in the US after August 15, according to the website, and European sales will begin later this year. Price is $300.

Another option for men who have trouble maintaining erections is a product dubbed the "Viagra condom."

British biotech company Futura Medical has created the new condom, currently known as CSD500, that is coated on the inside with a vasodilator gel that increases blood flow and results in a stronger, longer-lasting erection.

The product is nearing final regulatory approval, and condom company Durex announced its aim to unroll the condoms in Europe by the end of the year. Plans have yet to be announced on whether the manufacturers will apply for FDA approval to market the condoms in the US.