Condoms Designed for Gay Men Coming to India

August 04, 2010

Condoms will be designed specifically for gay men in India after the country has witnessed rising HIV levels among gay and bisexual men.

Condoms in India are designed for intercourse with woman, and gay men have complained they cause discomfort during anal sex.

The new condoms specifically designed for men-who-have-sex-with-men will contain more lubricant. Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust is designing the condom.

A spokesman from the company told Mid Day: "We are still in the process of developing the product,” said a spokesman from the condom company. “As far as the costing goes, we are still unsure if it must be sold in the socially marketed category or in general one. However, this concern is secondary to product development."

A National AIDS Control Organisation executive added: "We want to bring about a behavioural change in the habits of these men, which is difficult because they are a closed group and do not respond well to advice from outsiders. We have, therefore, roped in some peer leaders to carry our message across and hope this will work."

"This product will be welcomed by homosexual men as well as couples who engage in anal sex,” said Sexologist Dr Prakash Kothari. “Sometimes during lovemaking, the lubricating gets messy and anal sex can get painful. A condom with extra lubrication will bring securities to such couples."

Last year, homosexuality was decriminalized in the capital New Delhi, which is likely to set a precedent for the rest of the country.

There has not been a release date for the condom thus far.

Image source: Carlos t