Female condoms in KwaZulu-Natal

The female condom was introduced to South Africa 10 years ago amid much fanfare, but it has not made as much of an impact as had been hoped.

When it was introduced, many women were optimistic about it, but they soon complained about how uncomfortable it was, that they were not freely available and that there was not very much information on how they were supposed to be used.

KwaZulu-Natal Health spokesman Chris Maxon says the response from females is gradually becoming more positive.

Challenges

"However, in rural areas they still pose a challenge, like any female-initiated method and mechanism," said Maxon.

Mmbatho Mnqayi, a researcher at the Reproductive Health Research Unit (RHRU) at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said: "The female condom allows the woman to take responsibility for her own protection. Because she has inserted it herself, she knows she's safe."

The female condom is a lubricated polyurethane sheath about 17cm long, with a ring on either end. The woman inserts it into her vagina before having sex. The condom, also known as the femidom, was introduced to empower women to protect themselves from contracting sexually transmitted infections including HIV/Aids, and unplanned pregnancies.

It has received mixed reviews. One woman said: "Although it was difficult at first, I prefer it to the male condom."

Some women said it was uglier and bigger than its male counterpart and made "funny noises".

Due to its cost - about R13 for three - the femidom is not as freely available as the male condom.

Maxon says the government is in the process of introducing them at more health facilities.

Last year 24 610 female condoms were distributed in KwaZulu-Natal.

Author: Nondumiso Mbuyazi

- TERUG -