Indian Condom Complaint
By Steve Robinson
Following a survey of 1,200 Indian men, it appears that majority of Indian men require a selection of smaller-sized condoms. The news comes a few months after it was reported that South African men were to receive a range of extra-large condoms, after many complained they felt too small and uncomfortable. Now it seems, Indian men have the reverse problem.
The volunteers had their penises measured exactly - down to the millimetre - in an attempt to ascertain a representative sample for the Indian male population. The survey highlighted the need for smaller condoms after more than half the men's penises were three to five centimetres short of 'international sizes'.
The results have led to a call for not only more mixed sized condoms, but greater awareness that they are available to the public. The issue is seen as no laughing matter by the Indian Council of Medical Research who performed the two-year study, as one in five Indian condoms either falls off or tears due to the excessive size. India has the highest number of HIV infections of any nation, and many see this issue as a key factor of this worrying statistic.
The problem surrounding awareness of the condoms stems from the fact that men do not feel comfortable asking for smaller-sized condoms in Chemists.
"Smaller condoms are on sale in India. But there is a lack of awareness that different sizes are available." remarks Doctor Chander Puri, a specialist in reproductive health for the Indian Council of Medical Research. "There is anxiety talking about the issue. And normally one feels shy to go to a chemist's shop and ask for a smaller size condom."
However, the editor of a leading men's magazine in India, Sunil Mehra, says Indian men should be unconcerned with not measuring up to 'international standards'.
"It's not size, it's what you do with it that matters," he said. Quite.
Find out more about Steve and read more of his articles here.
The volunteers had their penises measured exactly - down to the millimetre - in an attempt to ascertain a representative sample for the Indian male population. The survey highlighted the need for smaller condoms after more than half the men's penises were three to five centimetres short of 'international sizes'.
The results have led to a call for not only more mixed sized condoms, but greater awareness that they are available to the public. The issue is seen as no laughing matter by the Indian Council of Medical Research who performed the two-year study, as one in five Indian condoms either falls off or tears due to the excessive size. India has the highest number of HIV infections of any nation, and many see this issue as a key factor of this worrying statistic.
The problem surrounding awareness of the condoms stems from the fact that men do not feel comfortable asking for smaller-sized condoms in Chemists.
"Smaller condoms are on sale in India. But there is a lack of awareness that different sizes are available." remarks Doctor Chander Puri, a specialist in reproductive health for the Indian Council of Medical Research. "There is anxiety talking about the issue. And normally one feels shy to go to a chemist's shop and ask for a smaller size condom."
However, the editor of a leading men's magazine in India, Sunil Mehra, says Indian men should be unconcerned with not measuring up to 'international standards'.
"It's not size, it's what you do with it that matters," he said. Quite.
Find out more about Steve and read more of his articles here.
Image: Dennis Spelt
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