The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has confirmed that female condoms will now be available to policyholders during the first half of 2015.
A pilot plan conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) showed that Ticos were accepting of this contraception method, even as a common method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
UNFPA made these condoms available to insured individuals areas of Goicoechea and Upala. The result was that more than a thousand women tried them and of these 14% (192) continued use.
According to the medical manager of the Fund, María Eugenia Villalta, the Fund is only waiting on their supplier with the Ministry of Health to start the process.
“We will be making them available for purchase next year. We depend on suppliers. We have the sheet list, specifications and the necessary budget for next year,” says Villalta.
At this time the female condom is not available to users in private pharmacies in Costa Rica, but if you want to give them a try, policyholders can go to the health centers in Upala and Goicoechea.
The female condom is made of polyurethane, not latex, and advantages for women allergic to latex. It’s like a traditional condom but with two rings, one of which is pressed in the form of 8 and is inserted into the vagina. The second is outside.
The woman can put it in before intercourse, even up to eight hours in advance.
UNFPA experts explain that represents an advantage for women because it is the first contraceptive method they can use to protect from both pregnancy and STDs. (ADN)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
