GERMANY — As men and women throughout the world, especially undeveloped countries, search for simple ways to protect themselves against not only unwanted pregnancy but also STDs, especially HIV/AIDS, German sex educators are hard at work on a very promising solution: a spray-on condom.In addition to simple to use, a spray-on condom has the added bonus of truly coming in all shapes and sizes.

“We’re trying to develop the perfect condom for men that’s suited to every size penis,” explains Jan Vinzenz Krause, of the Institute for Condom Consultancy.

Information about the spray-on condom that Krause and his team is working on can be found at SprayKondom.de. Among the goals of its developers is to create a can that men can insert their penises into and, with the push of a button, have it coated in condom within five seconds.

“It works by spraying on latex from nozzles on all sides,” according to Krause. “We call it the ‘360 degree procedure’ — once round and from the top to bottom. It’s a bit like a car wash.”

Once the researchers are able to assure users that the latex is spread evenly over the penis and that the process of vulcanization is correct, Krause believes that his group will produce the best fitting, most effective barrier contraceptive available.

Estimated to run about $26 per can, with replaceable latex cartridges good for two applications and anticipated to cost $13 each, Krause says the latex will be available in a variety of colors and strengths. If all goes well, the new condoms will be on the market by 2008.