Brazil's public health system (SUS) will distribute female condoms starting this month.
Throughout the year, 20 million condoms are to be distributed, divided into five batches; the government spent...
Agência Brasil - Starting in the second half of May, the Unified Health System (SUS) should begin distributing female condoms. The first batch of imported condoms is scheduled to arrive next Friday (4). The federal government spent R$ 27.3 million to purchase the units – each one cost R$ 1,36.
Throughout the year, 20 million condoms are expected to be distributed, divided into five batches, according to the Department of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, linked to the Ministry of Health. All female condoms are made of nitrile rubber – an anti-allergenic, soft material that is thinner than the latex used in the male version.
According to the ministry, the target audience for the initiative includes women with AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, drug users, low-income women with partners who resist using male condoms, women experiencing domestic and sexual violence, and sex workers.
In 2008, a survey by the department linked to the Ministry of Health found that approximately 90% of sexually active women in the country know of or have heard of the female condom. However, adherence to the female condom is still lower compared to the male condom.
The female condom is a type of pouch with two flexible rings. At one end is the movable ring, which should be squeezed and inserted into the vaginal canal until it reaches the cervix. The second ring, at the opposite end, is open and covers the outside of the vagina. The condom can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse and cannot be used at the same time as a male condom.
The female condom prevents sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and unwanted pregnancy. Information on the correct use of the female condom is available on this webpage.