CONTRACEPTION ......CONTINUED

Female barrier methods of contraception

These have been used for generations, off course we were ignorant, and we did not understand what was dangerous for women. Whatever women came across and thought it would help they used it. Leaves, lemons and sponges, were all used. Sponges were stopped from the developed countries however they are still available in some developing countries. In 1882 a diaphragm was invented which proved useful. This has under gone many changes and is slowly becoming a very useful method of contraception. Cervical caps, female condoms and diaphragms prevent contact between the cervix and the penis thus preventing you from pregnancy. They have some protection from STI’s.
Female condoms for general use became available in 1992. It was made from polyurethane and was sold as femidom. It came in different sizes and needed some clinical output as to how to use it. Besides it proved to be expensive being made from polyurethane. Now it is made by various companies round the world in different materials from nitrile, silicone or even latex. If bought in bulk it is much cheaper. The WHO (World Health Organisation) is trying to make this a popular method in developing nations as birth control is then in the women’s hand, particularly if a partner is not cooperative. It also provides protection from STI’s. The other big advantage is that woman can insert it, up to 8 hours before sexual activity occurs. Lubricants can be oil based or water based unless it is made of latex. Oil based lubricants cannot be used with Latex products as they destroy them. It does not interfere with your hormones, menstrual cycle or any other medications, that you may be taking.    

Female condom (FC2) originally its cost was a bit of a problem but now this has been resolved. It was made with polyurethane which was expensive and now it is mainly made from nitrile and latex. The female condom had another problem of making a crinkling (Rustling) noise when in use. This Problem has been overcome by newer varieties. Medtec in India( Reddy ) , Company called Path (Program for appropriate technology in Health) Female health company in Chicago and many others are making these (FC2) in different countries and are trying to cut the cost down. A lot of publicity and education is now being done by nations all over the world.                         

The latest version of the female condom called (FC2).It is a 17 cm long pouch. 

It has a flexible rubber ring at each end.

One of these rings goes inside the vagina and is closed, this end is narrow .All the instructions, as to how to use these are on the package, however it is a good idea to know how to use these while you are on another method.  It works the same way like the male condoms, by preventing the semen to go into the vagina. Not only that, it prevents you from getting STD’s. In that respect it is better than the condoms as it protects your, vulval skin from infection such as HPV, HERPES, and ULCERS.

With female condoms the woman is in charge. You do not have to stop at the crucial time to put the condom on. It can be inserted up to 8 hrs before intercourse. There is some lubrication provided with the FC2, but you can use more lubricant if required but make sure about the type. Water soluble is better. Open the pack carefully, read the instructions put the closed end in the vagina and gently push in until you can feel the cervix. When you start the act the penis does not have to be rigid, but make sure the penis goes in the pouch, not between the vagina and the pouch.

After intercourse twist the outer ring 3 times when pulling the condom out. Making sure that nothing spills out and then throw it in the rubbish, never in the toilet.

It is almost as effective as the condoms 5% failure rate with perfect use and 21% failure with typical use. (Some what casual) Thousands of STI’s are saved by FC2.

And to just reiterate the same benefits as the male condom but even better as women are in control and return to fertility is immediate.

No health issues, no hormones, no menstrual problems. Better protection from STI’s as it protects the skin STI’s as well. The cost and noise factors were a problem but both are now being resolved.

It has been said to use the FC2 only once. However recent study by the FDA (food and drug administration) showed that an FC2 can be used several times after being washed and being cared for. It still met the structural standards of the FDA. 
Imagine how great it will be for women of poorer countries.

In closing FC2 is gaining ground and looks to be successful product for contraception and prevention of STD’s.
The latest news on the female condom is women and others, are trying to make condoms to protect them from rape. It would be great if this could be achieved particularly in some countries like Africa and India.I understand that women in India have made a FC2 that sends an electronic message to the police and their relatives if they are being raped. The penetration of the vagina sets off the electronic implant in the FC2. In Africa they are experimenting with an FC2 with teeth. This FC2 has not been approved by authorities. When a penis enters the vagina the barbs or hooks in the FC2 attach to the penis and when the penis withdraws the FC2 comes with it and it can only be removed with medical assistance. The female inventor of this product is quoted as saying "This is a medieval device for a medieval deed"

I have already mentioned the SILCS diaphragm and we will talk about it in the next few posts.