Extra small condoms in Swiss causes mixed reaction

There is controversy in Switzerland over a new brand of extra small condoms that has gone on sale for boys as young as 12.

Called the Hot Shot, the condoms were produced after government research showed a growing number of 12 to 14-year-olds were sexually active.

Swiss manufacturer Lamprecht AG is marketing the new Hot Shot as the condom that "fits when passion hits".

It is smaller than the average - not in length but in diameter.

The regular brands measure 5.2 centimetres, but the Hot Shot is 4.7.

Switzerland's leading AIDS charity approached Lamprecht with a request to make the compact condom.

According to company spokesperson Nysse Norballe these smaller condoms make a big difference.

"They said they had found out that those for teenagers and also for other target groups ... they are very often too large and will roll off," Ms Norballe said.

She says although the name could be misunderstood as encouraging young boys to be sexually active, it is targeted more for adults.

"They are not going to ask for a condom which is a normal size or even a size small," Ms Norballe said.

"However, they will have no problem going in and asking for a Hot Shot. That has a positive influence on their self-esteem."

The Hot Shot is only available in Switzerland, where last year a young couple made headlines when they became parents at 13 and 14.

When asked why they had not used a condom, they explained that they had but it had fallen off.

Not surprisingly, public reaction to the new line of contraception is mixed.

"It's a little bit worrying but it's life now because they have sex more often and more early," one Lausanne resident said.

"So I think it's a good thing they have condoms."

Other residents say it is important to talk about sexuality, but have their doubts about the availability of Hot Shots.

"At the same time it's not a good idea because it's like pushing, it's like encouraging them [to have sex]," one said.

The age of consent in Switzerland is 16, although if the age difference between the couple is not more than three years they will not be prosecuted.