Green Light for NEW Female Condom
Yesterday I told you about the newest version of the female condom, the FC2, under review by the FDA advisory panel for marketing in the US. The good news is confirmed that this potentially less costly method of birth control received unanimous backing- the FC2 is still highly effective in preventing pregnancy AND STIs.
The lower price (30%?) should also make this new female condom more attractive to women which means that we females can have peace of mind and even more choice regarding how we manage our ‘contraception career’.
“I find it empowering to be able to take charge and put on the female condom myself,” says Linda Arnade, a health worker in Chicago who has used FC for three years. “I like being able to put it in several hours before sex, and the fact that the material feels stronger than latex. I once had a male condom break, but that’s never happened to me with the female condom.” Manufacturer studies show 50 to 70 percent of users find the device acceptable once they have experience using it.
Attractive to Men too- a man may feel pressured about having to maintain an erection to keep the condom on. Maintaining an erection is not necessary when using the female condom.The cost of producing this newer version can be reduced because the new material (synthetic rubber) allows a method to be used that is similar to the one for producing male condoms. Cost estimates range from $1.40 to $2.10 for consumers and about half that for health care organizations that distribute it.
Safe if you have an allergy to latex- the synthetic rubber is ‘user friendly’.
Most other countries have already adopted FC2 - this recent FDA approval also enables the new female condom to be sold in more countries overseas, as the U.S. Agency for International Development needs FDA approval before it can buy the cheaper version
“Female condoms are the only woman-controlled method of safer sex, and we also know what the birth control pill did for women: it allowed them an unprecedented control over their reproductive status,” said American Social Health Association Vice President Deborah Arrindell.
Mary Ann Leeper, an adviser and former president of Female Health Co said ” Even with approval, it will take time for the company to relaunch it for U.S. consumers. The company is looking for a marketing partner to help distribute it more widely.“ Health advocates say that if the government moves quickly in recommending FC2 approval, the new condom could be on U.S. pharmacy shelves--and in the hands of aid organizations that distribute it worldwide–some time in 2009. Let’s hope they DO pass on the production savings.
Sources: Women’s eNews-Author: Molly M. Ginty
