Growing call for condoms for the ladies

A new and improved female condom is set to hit New Zealand, reports

in 2009, it has been adopted in 143 countries worldwide. ‘‘There has been a revival,’’ she said.

Positive Women is petitioning Parliament to make the condom available and accessible in New Zealand, and fully subsidised for those with medical conditions such as HIV.

Labour MP Carol Beaumont, who supports the petition, said she would present it to Parliament.

Positive Women was importing the FC2 condom from Australia until 2012, when Medsafe warned it was illegal. The condoms are made of synthetic latex, which did not have Medsafe approval.

A 2013 study published in international medical journal The Lancet said increased contraceptive choice for women is associated with more uptake and better health outcomes.

Family Planning national medical adviser Dr Christine Roke said it was important woman were given the choice.

‘‘It’s not used by a large number of women, but it’s the one thing that women can use themselves to prevent STIs. It puts the control back into the woman’s hands.’’

While it was not ‘‘the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen’’, it was fairly easy to use. ‘‘For women who can’t rely on their partner or want to be quite sure that they’re protected, it is the way to go.’’

New Zealand AIDS Foundation executive director Shaun Robinson said it was another important tool to combat the spread of HIV.

‘‘It empowers women to take more control of their own sexual health. The key thing about this condom is you don’t need to negotiate its use, women can just use it.’’