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Mary Ann Benitez

The new product, said to prolong sex, can be sold only in registered pharmacies

Health authorities are refusing to stretch the law and have labelled a new 'long-lasting' condom poisonous.

The Performa condom, made by the UK-based Durex company, contains the anaesthetic Benzocaine. This, the company claims, allows its users to have sex for about 18 minutes - longer than the average 11.8 minutes with normal condoms.

But the government's chief pharmacist has decided that the new condoms should be sold as Part I poison - and only by registered pharmacists.

Mark Critchley, group marketing controller for UK-based SSL Healthcare, which owns Durex, insisted during the condom's Hong Kong launch at the Sheraton yesterday that the chemical was safe.

He said a little Benzocaine was mixed with the lubricant inside the teat end of the condom, reducing sensitivity 'to help control climax and prolong sexual excitement'.

'Benzocaine is very well known as an anaesthetic. It is used in lots of things, such as teething gel [for babies] and it is very safe. It is only a very low percentage - less than 5 per cent of the overall lubricant dosage,' Mr Critchley said.

'In all our markets everywhere else, you can buy it just like you can buy any normal condoms. You can buy it in supermarkets, in gas stations, vending machines - anywhere.'

Mr Critchley said he hoped Hong Kong's chief pharmacist would lift the restrictions.  'We do not see the opportunity for people to buy it as easily. If it was readily available, it would be much easier for people to buy it. I think that is something we will try to demonstrate, that Benzocaine Performa is perfectly safe.'

For now though, the chief pharmacist is not budging - only registered dispensaries with an Rx sign and a registered pharmacist can sell the product. 'It may cause skin sensitivity, such as itchiness and redness,' said a Health Department spokesman.

Men in Britain, France, the United States (where it is sold as 'Performax')  and Canada have snapped up the new condom,  making it the third-best seller in the Durex stable  in just a few months since it was 'rediscovered'  last year. Mr Critchley said Performa had been sold in Spain for 12 years.

'It has been kept quiet. But three years ago, we took some widespread research and a lot of consumers were saying it would be great if you could produce something that made it last longer,' Mr Critchley said.

'Dr Sex' Ng Man-lun, vice-president of the Hong Kong Sex Education Association, said the chemical had been tested and was found to be safe.

'Not all chemicals are harmful,' she said. 'Cosmetics are chemicals and if they are tested, you can apply it every day and night.

'I support the use of condoms in various ways - for safety, for contraception and as a sex aid or for sexual pleasure. It is something which is worth promoting as a regular sex habit.'

A pack of three Performa condoms costs $39.90 - more expensive than regular varieties.

Durex's  condoms include 'Together', for 'a more passionate feeling', and 'Jeans', targeted at younger buyers.



Top health official  refuses to rubber stamp 'poisonous' condoms