News / Health
FC1 female condom phased out
12 Jul 2014 at 04:16hrs | Views
FC2 female condom
Family planning stakeholders have announced that the initial female condom FC1 has been phased out while a new product has been introduced.
The stakeholders have recommended a second generation of female condoms FC2 made up of a synthetic material called nitrile as the safest to partners as research has revealed the product is non-allergic and warm during sexual intercourse.
The condoms are lubricated with vegetable oil and other lubricants could be added, making the product silk and effective in preventing spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections, transmission of HIV as well as pregnancy.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Midlands' acting provincial marketing and communications officer, Karen Shiri highlighted in her presentation at the recently held Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision stakeholder meeting held in Gweru that FC2 was better when compared to others and ruled out myths surrounding condoms.
"The FC2 female condom replaced the FC1 which is the first generation of female condoms which had thicker rings and seams which made women to feel uncomfortable during sex.
"The FC2 female condom completely blocks sperm and bacteria or viruses that cause STIs and the outer ring provides added protection against STIs by covering the woman's external sex organs and the base of the male organ and it is for single use only," she said.
"The condom is also better than a male condom which is made of latex rubber and proteins fluids which other men say do not smell good," she added.
According to Shiri, the FC2 can be worn for three hours before having sex or instantly compared to male condom which can only be put to use when the male organ is ready.
She said the condom also doesn't require that one consults a doctor before use as they do not affect one's body because they don't contain hormones", she said.
However, Shiri advised partners to remain faithful and stick to correct and safe methods of having sex.
"Condoms must be worn correctly and consistently before or after circumcision. Some sex partners take circumcision as passport to engage in unprotected sex, which is wrong. Unprotected sex is done on one condition, which is if you both know your status and you agree on that," she said.
The stakeholders have recommended a second generation of female condoms FC2 made up of a synthetic material called nitrile as the safest to partners as research has revealed the product is non-allergic and warm during sexual intercourse.
The condoms are lubricated with vegetable oil and other lubricants could be added, making the product silk and effective in preventing spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections, transmission of HIV as well as pregnancy.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Midlands' acting provincial marketing and communications officer, Karen Shiri highlighted in her presentation at the recently held Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision stakeholder meeting held in Gweru that FC2 was better when compared to others and ruled out myths surrounding condoms.
"The FC2 female condom replaced the FC1 which is the first generation of female condoms which had thicker rings and seams which made women to feel uncomfortable during sex.
"The condom is also better than a male condom which is made of latex rubber and proteins fluids which other men say do not smell good," she added.
According to Shiri, the FC2 can be worn for three hours before having sex or instantly compared to male condom which can only be put to use when the male organ is ready.
She said the condom also doesn't require that one consults a doctor before use as they do not affect one's body because they don't contain hormones", she said.
However, Shiri advised partners to remain faithful and stick to correct and safe methods of having sex.
"Condoms must be worn correctly and consistently before or after circumcision. Some sex partners take circumcision as passport to engage in unprotected sex, which is wrong. Unprotected sex is done on one condition, which is if you both know your status and you agree on that," she said.
Source - The Zim mail
