The human immunodeficiency virus or HIV remains incurable. Recent studies, however, have focused on managing the disease, looking for a cure and better preventive measures.

Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle are doing their bit in the fight against HIV by developing a dissolvable "tampon" that women can use as a protective barrier against the virus.

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The study was published in the journal "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy."

Until recently, women have had to rely on men wearing condoms to prevent the spread of the virus. A female condom is available but is more expensive and less common than condoms for males.

The HIV "tampon" is used the same way the traditional female product is used. Instead of being used as a hygienic instrument during a woman's menstrual period, the new tampon has an anti-HIV microbicide electrically spun into its fabric.

Made using nanotechnology, the mircrobicide prevents the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Each thread of the microbicide is about 200 times smaller than a human hair.

Within six minutes of being inserted, the body absorbs the microbicide. This means the waiting time before sex is shorter than that of spermicides and other gels.

Bio-engineer Cameron Ball said "There's a race between the anti-HIV microbicide to get to the tissue before the virus does. So the more quickly it dissolves, the better."

Despite excitement over the new technology, the tampon won't be sold to the public for around 10 years since it's still undergoing clinical trials to make sure of its efficacy.

Ball said the new tampon will allow women to have more choices about which products they want to use.

"You meet the needs of as many women as possible," he added.