SEATTLE, September 20 /PRNewswire/ --
- The first European nation to introduce new model to all its public health clinics
Portugal has replaced the 15 year-old polyurethane female condom, Femidom, with a new clinically proven latex condom worn by women.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070920/CLTH043 )
The VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine has been available nationwide since July when the National Ministry in Portugal awarded the contract for the VA w.o.w. (worn-of-women) through a competitive public tender. It's the only new female condom to obtain a CE Mark approval in the past 15 years.
Medtech Products, Ltd. of Chennai, India manufactures the VA. The VA received a combined satisfaction rating (somewhat to very) of 97% in the 2007 Clinical Study of 200 couples measuring Functional Performance and Acceptability. 54% rated their useage "very satisfied". Earlier versions of the VA, which differed slightly in physical characteristics, have been test marketed in Europe for the last 3 years.
Medtech believes the expanding VA European introduction will help achieve its long-desired goal of improving women's health, including sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy prevention. Issues and setbacks with developing an effective microbicide may turn AIDS prevention priorities towards promoting an improved women's condom, particularly one obtaining unprecedented high user satisfaction and acceptability.
Initial reports from health clinics in Portugal are very positive, states the Portuguese supplier, Clinifar SA, which won the government contract for VA to replace the Femidom.
The VA condom consists of a simple and inexpensively manufactured latex pouch to line the vagina, attached to an outer V-shaped frame with a soft sponge disc inside the pouch to hold it inside the vagina.
VA distribution is growing worldwide, including Africa and South America. The U.S. FDA approval process is underway.
European distribution expands next month in England, France and Germany and other countries.
The VA is scheduled to be presented by Sida Info Service (the French AIDS Info Service) to the general public and national Health Officials in November at the 2007 PARIS - Women and HIV conference.
Britishcondoms.com (Englands largest on-line condom supplier) is scheduled to receive product for online sales next month. NHS clinics can contact info@vawow.com for supplies. Discussions are also underway for distribution in the UK with Boots and Superdrug.
Dr. Caroline Shuttleworth of London's SameDayDoctor clinic, states the VA will be an excellent product for the sex worker industry, and it provides a valuable alternative form of contraception.
Avert.org of the UK, a leading independent on-line AIDS information site has VA details for any individual or organization interested in learning more.
Medtech is the global leader in patented male and female condom design. Its male condoms are the most innovative in form and function, being rated #1 in pleasure by users. New models currrently being introduced include the Dolphin Condom, shaped just like the name. See manufacturer website: medtechproducts.net or distributor website: intellx.tv
Contact: Brian Osterberg +1-231-218-0213 USA phone info@vawow.com Web site: http://www.medtechproducts.net http://www.intellx.tv
Brian Osterberg for Medtech Products, Ltd., +1-231-218-0213, info@vawow.com; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070920/CLTH043, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
