Female condoms use still ‘doubted’
THE perception of condom use being the responsibility of the man coupled with the misconceptions of how it feels when used by a woman, has made the patronage and use of female condoms relatively low Zambia as compared to male condoms. After over 10 years of its existence as a protection
against HIV/AIDS and family planning method, it seems most Zambian women have still not bought into the idea.
Knowledge, acceptance and utilisation of the female condom among women of reproductive age in Zambia is very low as few women were aware of the female condom.
Charity Kanyiki 25, says had never seen or used a female condom.
She feels a female condom is more expensive and complicated than the male condom.
“I am more comfortable with male condom since a condom should be a thing for the man.
Moreover, it is the man who has to do the protection,” she said.
For 31 years old Nchimunya Muuka, she has seen female condom on television and is also aware of its existence in the health care centres.
She however, says the female condoms are too scary.
“They have a big ring that will cover the outer vagina and I cannot just trust it,” she said.
CITAM-Plus executive director Carol Kachenga whose organisation advocates access to information, treatment, care and support to people infected and affected by TB and HIV/AIDS in Zambia, attributed the uptake of female condoms to socio-cultural barriers.
“It takes a lot more engagements and discussion with both women and men for them to accept to use the method, the socio-cultural barriers that exist prevent the people from accepting it.
“The other thing about female condoms is the procedure one has to go through to get it inserted into the vagina. And culturally, we have an issue going around that area even as women,” Ms Kachenga said.
She further attributes the low patronage to the bad experience some women had when they used the first female condom
Ms Kachenga, however, said the female condom had been improved and it was more comfortable.
“There were complaints that the female condom wasn't well lubricated, it was a bit too thick and it used to make a lot of noise.
But that is now a thing of the past, the female condom has now been improved.
“It is now good and those who have used it attest to the fact that there has been a great improvement and it works,” she said.
And highlighting the many advantages of the female condom, Ms Kachenga said unlike the male condoms where the man must be ready before he can wear it, women can wear the condom hours before the sexual intercourse.
“For some people, it's a more appreciated option and it gives the women control,” she said.