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Reinventing Protection – The Future of Lubricants Beyond Condoms

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Team Zandora
  • 10. may kl. 15:21
  • 4 minutter

As the world grapples with the ongoing challenge of improving sexual health, one entrepreneur is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We recently spoke with Katie Payne, the founder of OhMyV, at SxTech EU 2025 in Berlin, where she shared her vision for a future where sexual pleasure and bioprotection are no longer mutually exclusive.

For decades, condoms and dental dams have been the primary means of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Yet, these barrier methods have seen little meaningful innovation since their inception. Despite some tweaks in material and design, the basic concept of the condom has remained largely unchanged for over a century, primarily focusing on penile use and often overlooking the needs of those with vulvas. This critical shortcoming has inspired Katie to develop a new line of lubricants that could redefine the industry, combining the principles of pleasure and protection in a way that challenges long-standing assumptions.

Katie’s journey into the world of sexual health began with a deeply personal experience. After a cervical cancer scare linked to HPV, she became acutely aware of the shortcomings in current STI prevention options. "I had my own cervical cancer scare linked to HPV, which made me realize how poorly current products serve people with vulvas," she explained. "It was a wake-up call that we need better options." This personal realization became the catalyst for OhMyV, which is now working to bring a series of innovative products to market. The first in this lineup is a high-quality lubricant called vögeln, specifically designed to be suitable for the vulvar environment and to provide effective bioprotection against STIs by maintaining a balanced microbiome – a critical factor that many mainstream products fail to address.

Unlike many traditional lubricants, vögeln is formulated to match the natural pH and moisture levels of the vulvar environment, reducing the risk of irritation and disruption to the delicate tissues involved in sexual activity. This careful attention to the needs of vulva owners sets it apart from many mainstream products, which can often cause irritation or even increase the risk of infections. The product’s development reflects a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy vulvar microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall sexual health.

Her approach is methodical and phased, reflecting the complexity of the challenge. The first product, vögeln, is ready for manufacturing. This initial phase focuses on creating a lubricant that not only enhances pleasure but also respects the delicate balance of the vulvar environment. The second phase, now in R&D, is where her vision becomes truly revolutionary. It includes an antiviral lubricant designed to trap and neutralize viruses like HPV and genital herpes, using a proprietary biomaterial technology that Katie is keeping under wraps due to pending patents. "These are the STIs that condoms struggle to protect against, so this is where innovation is most urgently needed," she explained.

Looking further ahead, OhMyV plans to tackle even more complex challenges, including protection against bacterial STIs and, eventually, contraception. While this work will require extensive R&D and clinical trials, Katie's commitment is unwavering. "I refuse to give up on this. It needs to exist," she said firmly.

Currently, Katie is seeking funding to transition from R&D to full-scale production. Her first product, vögeln, is set to hit the market soon, with the second phase antiviral lubricant following once the necessary real-world trials are completed. She envisions a future where products like vögeln are not only commonplace but also widely accepted as a superior alternative to traditional barrier methods. "We’re ready to bring something new to this space – something that actually addresses the real needs of users," she told us as we wrapped up our conversation at SxTech EU 2025.

As Katie looks to the future, her goal is clear: to create a world where sexual pleasure and bioprotection are not at odds. "The whole motto of the company is pleasure without any compromises," she said with a determined smile. With the right support, this vision could soon become a reality – potentially transforming an industry that has long been in need of a shake-up.


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