Condom that changes colour when STIs are detected invented

A yellow glow indicates the wearer probably has herpes, blue signals syphilis and if the condom turns green its chlamydia which may be present. Photo / Thinkstock

A condom that changes colour when it comes in to contact with sexually transmitted infections (STI) like chlamydia and herpes has been invented by teenagers.

Called the 'S.T.EYE', the condom is the brainchild of 13 and 14-year-old high school students in the UK. Molecules are built in to the rubber that attach to specific bacteria and viruses which cause STIs. The molecules glow in a rainbow of colours, depending on the pathogens detected.

A yellow glow indicates the wearer probably has herpes, blue signals syphilis and if the condom turns green its chlamydia which may be present, MailOnline reported.

The innovative students at Isaac Newton Academy in Ilford, Essex, told the Independent they wanted to "make detecting harmful STIs safer than ever before" without the need for invasive tests.

Up and coming inventor, Daanyaal Ali said: "We created the S.T.EYE as a new way for STI detection to help the future of the next generation".

The colourful condoms earned Daanyaal, 14 and his co-inventors - Muaz Nawaz, 13 and Chirag Shah, 14 - first place for best health innovation at the TeenTech awards, an initiative to promote science, engineering and technology in schools.

"We've made sure we're able to give peace of mind to users and make sure people can be even more responsible than ever before," Daanyaal said.

The condoms are still at the concept stage, but one can only imagine the confronting post-coital conversations the S.T.EYE could spark if they become available.

- nzherald.co.nz