Like many women, I was on hormonal contraception for years. While it was effective at preventing pregnancy, I experienced a range of severe side effects that impacted my quality of life. From painful cystic acne to constant mood swings, it felt like my body was fighting against me. When I turned to my doctor for help, I was left with three frustrating options:
- I was told that these side effects were worth it to avoid getting pregnant.
- My current coil had been discontinued, and while a newer version with fewer side effects was available, I couldn’t have it until my five-year cycle ended.
- I was offered antibiotics for my acne and antidepressants for my mood swings, rather than being given any real alternatives.
Leaving the doctor’s office that day, I felt disempowered and frustrated. Surely there had to be a better way. After some time, I made a decision to trust my instincts and try male condoms as a non-hormonal alternative. However, I was soon met with a series of red flags that made me question the safety and suitability of the condoms available on the market.
The Problem with Traditional Male Condoms
One of the first things that shocked me was that most male condom brands do not list their ingredients on the packaging. This lack of transparency left me wondering: What exactly was I putting in my body? After doing some research, I discovered that common condom ingredients could actually cause more harm than good, especially for women.
For example, spermicides like nonoxynol-9, found in some condoms, have been shown to irritate the vaginal lining and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). On top of that, water-based lubricants containing glycerin, another common ingredient, can disrupt the natural pH of the vagina and lead to thrush or yeast infections. It was clear that traditional male condoms weren’t designed with women’s health in mind, and that’s a major problem when so many women rely on them as a non-hormonal contraceptive option.
On top of the health concerns, the branding and packaging of most condoms felt completely disconnected from women. Bold, bright, male-centric designs dominated the shelves, and there was little to no consideration for the fact that women are just as much a part of the condom-buying process as men. I understood why many women put up with the side effects of hormonal contraception—it felt like there were no appealing or safe non-hormonal alternatives.
Redefining Condoms as a Women’s Health Essential
Faced with these challenges, my partner Joel and I decided to create a solution that didn’t exist. We wanted to reimagine condoms as a women’s health essential—a product that not only prevents pregnancy but also actively supports vaginal health.
Our condoms are designed to be more than just a barrier against sperm and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); they also help to protect against bacteria that can lead to vaginal and urinary infections. With ingredients specifically chosen to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome, our condoms aim to reduce the discomfort and infections that many women experience with traditional condoms.
We also focused on creating packaging that empowers women. Instead of the loud, male-centric designs found on most shelves, we chose packaging that is discreet and feels more aligned with a women’s health product than a sex product. Our goal is to remove the stigma surrounding condom use for women and make condoms a trusted, everyday essential.
Positive Feedback from the MyBliss Community
Since launching MyBliss, we’ve received overwhelming positive feedback. We’ve been named the best condom brand of 2024 by Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, and Glamour. More importantly, 97.3% of our customers have said that our condoms are better than any other brand they’ve tried. What’s even more exciting is that 0% of users have reported any infections after using our products. This is a huge achievement, considering that many traditional condoms, particularly those containing spermicides or glycerin-based lubricants, are linked to increased rates of UTIs and yeast infections.
It’s worth noting that nearly 75% of women will experience a vaginal infection at some point in their lifetime. Many of these infections can be linked to common irritants found in condoms, lubricants, or other intimate products. Our goal is to change this narrative by offering a safer, more effective alternative.
A New Future for Women’s Sexual Health
MyBliss is more than just a condom brand—we are working to redefine the role condoms play in women’s health. We believe that non-hormonal contraception should be safe, effective, and designed with women in mind. By promoting the vaginal microbiome and offering packaging that women can feel confident about, we’re empowering women to take control of their sexual health in a way that’s never been done before.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to providing women with the tools and products they need to feel empowered and supported in their health journeys. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far; together, we’re creating a healthier future for women everywhere.