Why Female Condom is still a Taboo in India

Talking about Sex and Condoms is still a big TABOO in India. Due to conservative societies in Indian Culture, almost in all religions people have lack of knowledge about Sex & Stds.

One reason could be what I believe is only man holds the responsibility & decision maker of using precautions & planning in India.

I personally talk to many women about using Female Condoms and other issues about STDs . I realized, they only know about HIV and AIDS, but unaware and showed me blank faces on many other Sexual Transmitted Diseases. They don’t have any knowledge about it.

Malini, a housewife45yrs age, says shockingly , "I have  never heard about Female Condoms, what the hell is this !!!! " .

Pratigya , a 25 yrs old corporate employee says  she has heard about it but never ever tried it, and confesses that she  even doesn't  know how to use it.

I spoke to almost all age groups from Rural to Urban and concluded that even if they know about it they still will not to buy it from the market. Its simply too embarrassing for most females here . Buying condom for themselves  is still a taboo for most of them ....

According to Condom Manufacturers- Female condom has been launched a decade ago but finding market for female condom is a great challenge for them in countries like India. It will take years to change the social mindset and preconceived notions in our society.

Prices are also a concern as compared to male condom; female condom price is a bit high. It is expensive besides being a  little complicated to use properly.

Many Govt. & Non Govt. organization and NGO are working to promote female condoms. The Reason for that is not difficult to understand . Indian Society is a Male Dominating Society and male is the only decision maker who decides whether he wants to use Condom or not . Many males still like to believe that use of condoms reduces sexual pleasure ( some women also share this view , though may not openly voice their opinion out of shyness ) . This is just a myth or mindset , and it grossly undermines the importance of condoms as an important tool to prevent STD and AIDS besides unwanted pregnancies .

Yes, I am not denying on the fact that there are other Precautionary methods  open like contraceptive pills and Copper- T but they can only reduce the chances of getting pregnant  but on the other hand there are  still chances of  getting  affected by STDs as listed below:-

Bacterial Vaginosis ( BV) – BV is virginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria. It can be spread through both sexual or non- sexual contact.

Herpes- There is no cure of Herpes, but certain meds can shorten and prevent outbreaks when taken regularily. 

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Genital Wards- HPV is the most common STD and at least 50%  of sexually active people will get it at some time in their lives. 

Trichomoniasis- Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Chancroid- Chancroid is a bacterial STI that causes painful ulcers or sores in the genital region.

Hepatitis- There are several kinds of Hepatitis, but Hepatitis B is the one most likely to be transmitted sexually.

HIV/AIDS- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes Accuried Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 

Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)- LGV is fairly uncommon but it is most often spread through unprotected anal sex.

Molluscum Contagiosum- Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by a virus and usually go away on its own within a year even without treatment. 

Mucopurulent Cervicitis (MPC)-  MPC is caused by other STDs such as Chlyamydia or Gonorrhea and may be treatment with antibiotics.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)- PID is caused by bacteria, which often stem from another STD such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

SpyHills- If caught early, syphilis can be treated and cured easily with a round of antibiotics.

Chlamydia- Most people with Chlamydia don’t have any symptoms, but those who do might have unusual genital discharge and/or pain and burning when urinating. Women may also have lower back or abdominal pain, nausea, pain during sex, or bleeding after sex and/or between periods.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Some antibiotics can cure it in just one dose, while others may need to be used for seven days. If you’ve been treated, your partner(s) should get tested and/or treated, too. And you should wait seven days or until you and your partner(s) finish the antibiotics (whichever is longer) before having sex again. This is to make sure you don’t spread the infection.

Gonorrhea-Many people with gonorrhea don’t have any symptoms. Those who do might notice unusual discharge from the penis or vagina and/or pain or difficultly peeing. Men may have swelling in their testicles and women may bleed in between periods. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause infertility without ever showing symptoms. It can also spread to the blood and joints.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, usually given in a single dose. If you’re being treated, your partner should be tested too. You should also wait until you and your partner(s) finish your treatment and until your symptoms disappear (if you have them) before you start having sex again. This is to make sure you don’t spread the infection.

 

The female condom protects against pregnancy. It also protects against infections spread during sexual contact, including HIV. 
These condoms fit inside the vagina. The condom has a ring on each end.

• The ring that is placed inside the vagina fits over the cervix and covers it with the rubber material.
• The other ring is open. It rests outside of the vagina and covers the vulva.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
The female condom is about 75% - 82% effective with normal use. When used correctly all of the time, female condoms are 95% effective.

So all Women precautions is now in your hands too. Make the best use of it.