Female condoms launched

Female condoms have been introduced in Mysore, not on a commercial basis but as a means to check the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Unlike male condoms, female condoms are expensive. Besides, it is not easily available. The need for female condom was emphasised at the World AIDS Day on December 29.

Realising this, a voluntary organisation of Mysore, Gelaya, has taken the initiative to introduce reusable female condoms in Mysore and the adjoining districts as part of its HIV/AIDS prevention project.

Gelaya had till now undertaken mainly male health projects. But, now it has stepped into the female health project to safeguard women's interests. It is making available female condoms through the existing volunteer testing and counselling centres of J S S Hospital and K R Hospital, says G K Devanand of the organisation.

He adds, the counsellers educate women on its usage and depending based on the demand, the government can take the initiative to promote the safety in health among women and for preventing the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.

These condoms are made of poly propelene which is thinner than the normal latex male condoms.