Female Condom Now Available in Australia
07 March 2000
On International Women’s Day (8th March, 2000), FPA Health announced availability of the Female Condom in Australia. FPA Health (formerly Family Planning NSW) is committed to improving the sexual and reproductive health of men and women. As part of this brief FPA Health has undertaken to import, distribute and promote the female condom in Australia, making it available to the public for the first time. The female condom: increases the contraceptive choices for women; gives women an effective safer sex option within their control that prevents the transmission of STDs, including HIV. The female condom is a new option for women. It is THE ONLY contraceptive AND safer sex device that is woman-controlled. Aside from the male condom, the female condom is the only device that is effective against unwanted pregnancy and the prevention of STD transmission, including HIV. The United Nations AIDS Agency (UNAIDS) estimates that eight out of ten HIV positive women have become infected by having unprotected sex with a male partner. Globally, heterosexual sex is the main mode of transmission of HIV, and women are the fastest-growing group of people infected with HIV. From this year, women will comprise the majority of those infected. The female condom has been available in the US, the UK and parts of Europe for over four years. Thanks to FPA Health, it will now be available in Australia for the first time. The launch of the female condom will take place in Sydney on International Women’s Day – 8th March 2000. The female condom will then be available for purchase from FPA Health centres, sexual health centres, and women’s health centres. FPA Health’s Director of Research, Edith Weisberg, is available for comment. THE FEMALE CONDOM – SOME FACTS The female condom is an effective contraceptive method and an effective barrier to STDs, including HIV. It is a strong, loose fitting polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end. Polyurethane is a soft, thin plastic that conducts heat so sex can feel very sensitive and natural with the female condom. The inner ring is used to insert the female condom and helps keep the female condom in place. The inner ring slides in place behind the pubic bone. The outer ring is soft and remains on the outside of the vagina during sexual intercourse. It covers the area around the opening of the vagina (the vulva). The female condom lines the vaginal walls thereby preventing the transmission of body fluids. The female condom can be inserted several hours ahead of time so it will not interrupt sexual spontaneity. The female condom is designed to fit all women and is a one use only product. Some men are unable to maintain an erection while putting on a male condom. This is not an issue when using the female condom. The female condom does not have to be removed immediately after ejaculation. The female condom is pre-lubricated with a non-spermicidal, silicone-based lubricant that is needed for ease of insertion and for easy movement during intercourse. Additional lubricant can be used, and you can use both oil-based and water-based lubricants. The female condom is not tight or constricting, but soft and flexible.
For further information:
Contact Women & HIV Team Leader
Phone (02) 8752 4354
Email mirandas@fpahealth.org.au