Washington will be the first American city to distribute free female condoms in areas where HIV/AIDS rates are spiraling out of control, according to a report in this morning’s Washington Post. Wards 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 will see distribution points open in the next three weeks; female condoms will be available “[a]nywhere male condoms are available” in those areas.
The FDA-approved female condom, which has an interesting history around the globe despite having only being in existence for less than two decades, has been revamped in the last year, and now boasts “a thinner polyurethane that conducts body heat and enhances sexual sensation for men and women.” So it’s got that going for it, which is nice.
Alright, so more readily available, free contraception for women in high-risk areas of the city? Great! But, just like with any kind of HIV/AIDS prevention initiative, the distribution of knowledge, rather than pure materials, will be at the true root of all success. The effectiveness of female condoms can vary greatly depending on how correctly one uses it. Properly using one is, as much as I can comprehend, a learned process — and the prophylactic shouldn’t be used in tandem with a male condom. The Post’s report confirms that community leaders are being trained on how to demonstrate proper use of the female condom — which will truly be the most vital part of this program.
After all, if I learned anything this week, it’s that a sizable chunk of people have no idea how different forms of birth control work.
