May i make a comment on the female condom .

The female condom is a very effective method of birth control and excellent at preventing STD's *if* used correctly. This method of contraception has been available in the UK since the early 1980's.

Yes it is a little more expensive than the male condom, but for those ladies who really do want to make sure they are protecting the cervix, it is highly recommended. It is vital that the cervix is protected from any possible STI infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, which can lead to the infection Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

PID is an infection of the womans reproductive organs. Caused by bacteria that travel up the reproductive tract. PID results in infalmmation of the Uterus, ovaries and fallopien tubes. A very serious disease PID can lead to long term health problems if left untreated, and can even be life threatening. In fact, PID is responsible for over 100 deaths every year. In the United States more than ONE MILLION women are infected each year, while more than 22,000 women contract the infection yearly in the United Kingdom. It is contracted during sexual intercourse with a partner who is infected with the Gonorrhea or Chlamydia bacteria. However it is possible to develop PID after invasive procedures such as pregnancy termination or pelvic surgery , the fitting of IUD birth control or coloscopy to remove pre cancerous cells on the cervix. Though rare it is still possible to contract the disease after pregnancy. Being sexually active, being under the age of 25, women under that age do not have fully matured cervixes, leaving them at risk of uterine infection, having numerous sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and fequently douching and use of IUD birth control.
Women in the UK do not douche it is considered a dangerous practice.

The male and female condom can Prevent PID which results in infertility for many or risk of eptopic pregnancy . This can be avoided if birth control is taken seriously . the femal condom does offer more protection covering part of the outside of the vagina , it will not slip out or move around . It takes only one or to tries to get the hang of using one as i would recommend that a women di the "test try" before hand. Even though it is a little more expensive you must remember , this is your life and your fertility , it is in your own hands to make sure your sensible about this . I would also recommend *any * single woman such as myself , to test for sti approx every six months , particulary chlamydia , this can often be symptomless and silently the damage is being done . Dont take chances and always use contraception unless both partners have been tested and are clear of STI.

Regards
Catherine