After two years of market research, Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) is ready for a commercial launch of the female condom in India. It will be distributed under the brand name ‘Confidom’. The condom is manufactured in the U.K. by the Chicago-based Female Health Company (FHC). In addition, the FHC announced this week that it has received an order from the National AIDS Control Organization of the Government of India for over 500, 000 condoms. [Link, in PDF]
Research conducted by HLL last year indicated an interest in the product from commercial sex workers as well as from college girls [Link]. While HLL is eying the moolah in upper middle class spheres the Indian government is giving them a helping hand by working with NGOs to reach sex workers:
Positioned as a high-end lifestyle product targeted at the segment of women aged between 18 to 35 years, the product has been priced at Rs. 250 for a pack of two. It expects to sell five lakh units in the first year. Meanwhile, the government has already ordered about five lakh pieces to be distributed free through NGOs or at a subsidized price of Rs. 5 to sex workers. [Link]
Female condoms are unique because they give women simultaneous control over STD prevention and contraceptive technology. Their influence on HIV prevention programs dealing with sex workers, such as Kolkata’s Sonagachi Project, could be huge. While promoting HIV awareness in the Sonagachi brothels, public health scientist Smarajit Rana found some very basic obstacles preventing the use of male condoms:
It transpired that if a prostitute insisted on condom use, her customer just went to someone else. Unlike AIDS, starvation posed an immediate threat, and the program seemed doomed. “Counseling, educating–it just doesn’t work,” Jana states. “Higher up in the social hierarchy, people are able to act on the information given to them. Not so in the lower levels.” [Link]
Confidoms could drastically reduce such difficulties faced by sex workers but at Rs. 5 a pop I wonder how accessible this method really is to them. HLL is looking at negotiating a deal with the FHC that would allow them to manufacture the condoms domestically, which would lower the price, but no word of a definite agreement as yet. Lack of spermicide and a slightly tricky insertion procedure make the female condoms around 80% effective at pregnancy prevention, compared to 97% for a male condom with spermicide. However, the polyurethane sheaths have a lower risk of tearing or slipping off than male condoms and do not require an erect penis to operate. If sold at a lower price, they could provide an easily accessible alternative to oral contraception (because, for one, them things is hard to hide from unsupportive mummies and daddies) or laytex condoms (because of allergies). The benefit is also clear for younger, sexually active women who, for whatever reason, find themselves unable to say “No glove, no love!” to unedu-ma-cated romeos armed with a million excuses, “I can’t feel anything”, “My instrument is too massive”, “Oww!”, and so on. Here’s hoping the Confidoms do all this and more.
Neha thanx for posting this. Interestingly available since the early 90s in the US it’s one of the least popular method of contraception for women. Women still by and large tend to rely on a man for protection in terms of STDs.
Just asked my mother some questions regarding this, she’s sitting here next to me. She’s a Ob/Gyn. Her opinion is that it’s rate of difficult is far higher then a standard diaphragm or condom. Also she said that it tends to tear/bunch up and get pushed up against the cervix during intercourse and becomes increasingly difficult to remove not to mention the exposure to semen.
(Yes I actually have these ridiculously clinical discussions with my mother!!)
hey lingus – your deccan herald link seems broken..
but great article. i’ll look around – but by any chance did you come across the packaging for the confidom – i’d be curious on what it looks like, the packaging, print, language etc.
I love it – the company web site and in hindi as well – and they seem to be going after very distinct market segments, “rakshak”, “ustad”, “moods” etc. – for all the public dissing that goes on for governmental inefficiencies, this seems to be as professional, if not better, than any private sector enterprise. I would surmise that Hind Latex has a huge export focus – given that the bulk of its domestic production would be subsidized as a public health initiative – but on second thoughts no, with a billion and plus strength – this is one product line that good heavens, must be booming and how – I couldnt find the package for the “confidom” – but from what i saw on the other products – I wouldnt be surprised if there was very robust thought that went into the design, the lettering etc. Wow!! I’m just in awe.
I’ll tell you where I’m going with this – judging by the two market segments that are indicated – I would be curious (professionally) on how they were packaged – some of you who’ve used pregnancy tests might be aware of a product that is packaged and sold in two different designs to cater to separate segments – the “apprehensives” and the “hopefuls”. but i’m going off on a tangent…
the report suggests 80% success rate on pregnancy prevention – how effective is it against HIV transmission? anyone in the kno?
I think I saw some with chick-lit-cover-style packaging (pink, martini glasses, manolos) – heh heh – that’s some gawdawful marketing!
voila!
eegh… you must be kidding – or maybe not, if it’s geared to the canadian hipster – but surely that wont fly with the subsidized segment – or you know what… i think that answers the question – with a name like confidom, this was geared towards the anglo crowd in india – the sex worker was probably an afterthought – the gratuitous public interest angle to a purely commercial venture – not that there is anything wrong with it – i’m just saying.
Correction – the protection rate is between 79% and 95%:
These are the comparable numbers for male condoms:
I think that they have around the same rate of disease protection when used properly. Female condoms are polyeurethane, and they’re just as resistant and durable.
[Very interesting numbers at that site – I was surprised to see that when rhythm is perfectly followed, its efficacy is only 1% less than a male condom]
A-ha! Thanks for fixing the link lingus. sheds light
Thanks JOAT and mum! Hmm, doesn’t sound like the best experience. Strange because it has a lot of potential but the design doesn’t seem to have changed much since it was introduced. I’m curious, why is there no spermicide on these femdoms? Wouldn’t it make them safer? Is it issues with the polyurethane?
Thanks, Dhaavak, link is fixed. I couldn’t find any packaging for the confidom either.
[Sorry, “rhythm” is just one fertility awareness method, and a less effective one at that. I meant when a good FAM technique is used … ]
dhaavak — i like tangents. tell me more about this.
“The most common form of spermicide is Nonoxynol9 and this product seems to be made with women in mind and their pleasure, comfort and protection. The same women who are generally allergic to latex are also allergic to Nonoxynol9. And since this product isn’t using latex I can only assume that they are not using spermicide for the same reason. Spermicide can be used with it however and because it’s not latex even oil based lubricants can be used with it.” – Mom
Ennis, I used the 80% because it is the typical rate, the perfect rate could ideally be achieved with enough practice and minumum tugging and a bit of luck but I’m just a pessimist like that sometimes 🙂 The male condom rate of 85% seems to be for condoms without spermicide. With spermicide, which is often included on condoms, the rates are higher.
espressa – wasnt my schtick – but i do have the case study somewhere – the nuts and bolts is that pregnancy tests are geared either to expectant mothers or to women who may have had an accident. the the color scheme, the words used on the packages are geared to their respective wants and needs – and the pricing as well – the “expectant hopefuls” would pay more for the product and the location of the product in a store would also be geared along similar lines. I wouldnt take neha’s thread too far off track. To put it in context of the product in discussion – I would have hypothesized three prominent market segments – the uberfemme, the collegiate and the sex worker – the primary need of these would be, in the same order, glamor, discretion and pricing. So, the packaging that ang produced for the canadian trojan would probably appeal to the uberfemme. The collegiate I suspect would go for a smaller, softer packagin that would fit inside a handbag or in a pocket. the sex worker would likely need much cheaper products as hindlatex seems to have done . also, i am pleased that my original hypothesis on the naming was correct – “rani” would be something that would be very apt for the sex worker demographic – “rani” means Queen in Hindi – and not only does it imply a degree of pride associated with the product use, it also suggests empowerment. Like is said, by their web site, these guys have their act together.
Neha, I’m curious, is the post title an intentional spoonerism?
he he, kobayashi! good catch – also, “laytex condoms ” ? but seriously, “My instrument is too massive”, “Oww!”, are all true for ME 😉
I dislike whores and johns boths. I dont care whore a John fucks, and gets transfers whatever VD. Oh ok some bleeding farts will create an example out of some kid who got aids through his F’ed up mommy or blood transfusion. To that i say tough shit dude, enjoy the new tom hanks flick.
Guru Gulab Khatri (who donated blood 14 times) I dislike whores and johns boths. I dont care whore a John fucks, and gets transfers whatever VD. Oh ok some bleeding farts will create an example out of some kid who got aids through his F’ed up mommy or blood transfusion. To that i say tough shit dude, enjoy the new tom hanks flick.
What the hell?
Were you feeling whoozy when you wrote this?
Guru Gulab Khatri, I think you donated a little too much blood.
“My instrument is too massive”,
There are guys that can justifiably claim this?
“No glove, no love!” to unedu-ma-cated romeos armed with a million excuses, “I can’t feel anything”, “My instrument is too massive”, “Oww!”, and so on.
Guys may claim that wearing a raincoat prohibits them from feeling anything, but I’ve seen a female condom on TV once, and those things look so thick that even an asteroid could not burst through it. How could a girl/woman feel anything with something exponentially smaller than an asteroid when she has a female condom
onin?In addition, the FHC announced this week that it has received an order from the National AIDS Control Organization of the Government of India for over 500, 000 condoms.
Only 500,000? There must be over 500,000 Desis having sex. Plus, there’s a billion Indians. Italy’s population is much smaller– it is negative 0– and produces much more than 500,000 condoms. (Or maybe their population is dwindling thanks to rubber).
“rani” would be something that would be very apt for the sex worker demographic – “rani” means Queen in Hindi – and not only does it imply a degree of pride associated with the product use, it also suggests empowerment.
Hmmm…”rani” is nice but I think that these new female condoms should be named “Meheboob”. It’s a word that contains two meanings: “meheboob”, as you all know, means “my love” in Hindi, and “boob” is, well, self-explanatory. It is both romantic and quite empowering at the same time. Plus, the term “meheboob” is also found in the Persian and Arabic languages, so we can definately put this out on the global market.
“Meheboob” rolls nicely off the tongue.
Yes the insecure ones. The “normal” ones prefer to let the woman be the judge.
I’ve tried both with the same partner and I liked the female condoms a lot more. The material transmits heat and so you feel the barrier less. I also felt more ‘cuz it did not cover mini-me up.
She did not care which one we used as long as we stayed safe.
Just my personal experience. Am I the only person who has tried ’em? Or just the only person willing to admit to having the sex?
Maybe the fact that the opening and the first 4 inches or so of the female genital opening is where the most sensitivity is? That is why penetration is often not the way to see stars. 😉
and then there is the anti-pleasure female condom 8-o (NSFW: but I chose this site for the interesting commentary at the bottom)
There’s a support group for those individuals (and the lades who love them).
Finally! Brown women can share the burden of contraception and STD prevention. Ladies, We endured quietly, strongly before, but quite frankly we tired of being your beasts of burden.
CAD
The female condoms purchased by the Indian govt. are going to be either given away to NGOs or sold specifically to sex workers at a subsidized rate. HLL is going to be selling the condom commercially to the rest of the public. A deal for domestic production has not been finalized as yet.
I’ve used them
Hehe, good desi boys and girls don’t have the sex. Hahaha! Joke! Thanks for your notes, much appreciated. I’m an Alesse girl myself and haven’t tried the femdom. They are quite expensive compared to male condoms too, here in Canada. I have had the pleasure of examining a few and they aren’t bad at all. Thin enough and as you pointed out well-suited to trapping that hot hot heat. As JOaT’s mum pointed out earlier, they can be used with oil-based lubricants as well so heating lubes might also add a special tingle treat.
Misichana
Gurl, ain’t that the solemn truth! As an aside, it’s crazy how many dudes think this line of reasoning is a big lie made up by women to make men feel better about themselves. Silly billys.
Ghee!
[giggle]
Sorry, I should be serious but Ghee! Ghee! Ghee!
How can we not have a discussion about SASex without discussing GHEE!
Hahaha, gheee. Ay hai, Govinda, you are her chicken fry, she is your masala dosa!
Finally something in SM i can use!
LOL i meant to quote this ^^
.
You are all terrible desi boys and girls and should not know about any of this until after you are married. In fact, maybe not even then. Forget the question of whether the average desi uncle and auntie approves of pre-marital sex, the 64 million rupee question is how many of them believe in post-marital sex. Well, apart from a quickie on Diwali of course, just for old time’s sake. Or at least lying back and thinking of India until Patel/Singh/Khan Junior has been dutifully delivered 9 months later, at which point the risk of having to endure another marathon 30-second nookie session is pushed back for a few years.
Jai getting more badmaash by the minute
It’s not a bottomless pit…for petes sake 4 is about as deep as it gets!!
I think you’ll be shocked. You underestimate our parents. I certainly always do and am put in my place by my mother. My father on the other hand duly believes all his children have never seen a naked body except their own!
Jai…why Diwali? Aren’t there enough ‘fatakras’ in the air already?
Okay, this one, I simply don’t get. What does ghee have to do with sex? Help me please..
JOAT, every time my mother started on the ‘sex’ discussion, I ran out wailing like a banshee. I couldn’t and still cannot fathom the idea of them doing the deed. But like your dad, mine is in denial too!
I like this femdom idea and the fact that commercial sex workers will have access to it. Hopefully the women using it can be strong about not letting the guys get away with the ‘It’s too tight for me to be comfortable’ or the classic, ‘I have never found a condom that fits yet’ excuses.
Though my folks are pretty open and have never denied me any education when it comes to sex, they never grew up talking openly to their parents about sex so when we talk about it the discussion is always in third person. I’ve even gotten over my squeamishness at the thought of them romping…almost…but they still have quite the trouble thinking of me as being capable of sexual activity.
A couple of years ago my dad saw my ex on the tube in a condom ad and he dialed my digits so quick that my mum barely had time to finish her “hai hai”s. What followed was the same dialogue my dad always gives me (which I love him for) when he’s faced with such issues, “Beta, please be careful and just remember, boys can be very naughty…I was a boy once and I know how it is to be young! No cares, full of this curiousity. Young boys are after one thing only! Arey, why are you laughing?”.
Msichana:
Maybe the fact that the opening and the first 4 inches or so of the female genital opening is where the most sensitivity is? That is why penetration is often not the way to see stars. 😉
Speak for yourself.
Cheap Ass Desi…care to elucidate? Are you or is someone a proud claimant of more then 4 inches of ultra sensitive nerve endings or do you not agree that penetration is not always the way to go?
Dude, Neha, your ex is hot. I remember seeing that ad in India. That story altogether is hilarious- that a) your ex was in a condom ad b) your parents watched the condom ad and c) you got a sex talk cuz of it!
I just got back from a desi wedding and I don’t want to picture all those aunties and uncles having sex. Ugh. While on the matter of sex, did anyone see the news pieces on the tipline about custom fit condoms?
There’s probably a niche for that out there actually.
Someone register http://www.hotIndianAunty&Uncle.com quick.
Without giving away too much information, penetration is the way to go. I see plenty of stars, and not only that– but the heavens, the sky, the earth, Bhagwan himself.
If you are not feeling it with penetration, then maybe your man is not doing something right. Or he is not working it correctly. Maybe you need to experiment, see whether certain positions work for you? This is something to think about and pursue in confidentiality with your meheboob. I don’t know. I have some female friends who claim that they never get an orgasm with penetration only. What,then, is the point of having sex????? If you can’t climax with just penetration, then something needs to be done. Don’t let him get away with all of the pleasure. It is possible for a woman to climax with penetration, trust me. Refuse to have intercourse with him if you’re not getting anything out of it.
Desi ladies, unite. Ask for what is rightfully yours.
Desi ladies, unite. Ask for what is rightfully yours.
Make him work it.
Oh, we’re long past that point.
This thread is like gatecrashing a girlie pyjama party 😉
I hope everyone figured out that I was just kidding about the older generation shenanigans, although I’m sure it’s accurate in some cases considering all the dysfunctional marriages that are around.
I believe that a woman achieving a “happy ending” is often less to do with the nature of the sword itself and more to do with her opinion of the man holding the weapon, along with the chemistry and emotions between the two combatants, although of course it does help if the noble warrior knows how to wield his blade (and the rest of his fighting skills) effectively enough to give his opponent a sufficiently thorough workout.
Msichana,
Ha, that’s funny, I’d momentarily forgotten about the fireworks. I was just kidding around, and quoted Diwali as a random “special occasion”.
Bechari naive Msichana 😉
Anna,
You said it 😉
Two thirds of the vagina, i.e. the posterior vaginal wall, has only a fraction of the nerve endings present in the anterior wall. This has nothing to do with yer man. The most common orgasm reached by women through penetration only is through the g spot that lies on the front vaginal wall, only about an inch or two beyond the vaginal opening. This is why size doesn’t matter as much as ability to manouver. If this ability is not up to speed on any given day then there are other ways of ‘making him work’ and many women actually prefer these to penetration on the pleasure scale. To each her own.
I think that Ghee came up in the comments because Ghee comes up in everything desi. It’s not just a cooking oil, it’s a medicine, it’s used in massage, it’s used in religious rituals, etc. Ayurvedic medicine is very fond of Ghee. In this case, it’s being suggested as an oil based lubricant.
It’s getting hot in Herrrrre!
Jesus, check you guys out! Everyone got worked up (in all senses, I bet).
I cannot be held fully accountable for my comments in #41. I had drunk a little too much wine before writing that comment. Here I will try to soothe everyone’s ruffled feathers.
Neha:
Calm down, chokri!!! Don’t get miffed. I think both should find out how each can attain the most pleasure. But yes, as I stated in my comment, I have female friends who do say that they cannot reach an orgasm simply with penetration. So maybe I am just an anamoly and am lucky to have my g-spot close to the wall.
Jai:
Beta, I am so proud of you. When you become a husband (seeing that you haven’t engaged in pre-marital sex because you are not married yet, and as a good boy, you are waiting for your wedding night), you will make your wife happy. And you are totally right, emotions and opinons play a big part in whether women achieve an orgasm; in fact, I think it is the single most overriding and determining factor (at least for me). It also helps that the knight “knows how to wield his blade”, as you poetically put it.
I am really,really hesitant to say this, but I’ll go ahead and just say it. I don’t think I would be too happy if my man had a weener of a penis. Sorry. It just wouldn’t work out between us. I’ve heard women say “Oh, size doesn’t matter”. Yes, as long as it is not the size of my pinky.
This is the ideal ladka: a man who is sweet, generous, strong yet gentle,trustworthy and 100% faithful, thoughtful, intelligent, clever and makes me laugh and stimulates me intellectually. Then, he has an average/above- average sized tool. We have both found a way to synchronize our lovemaking in such a way that both see stars in the end.
Anna:
Sorry, didn’t mean to disclose too much information. I hope I don’t come off as some raunchy nymphomaniac. Mutineers, don’t judge my future comments on politics, race-relations, and such on the comments I have posted here. I hope I didn’t ruin my good name on SM.
Ladies ladies….
Isn’t it possible that like vagina’s experiences are just as varied?? No two women can and do experience exactly the same thing because no two women are really exactly built the same.
And the old saying ‘size doesn’t matter’ was surely coined by someone that obviously had a member that simply wasn’t large enough.
Janeofalltrades:
Seriously. Also, that saying “It’s not the size of the boat that counts; it’s the motion of the ocean”. Yeah, right.