The use of femidoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases

Posted on December 02nd, 2008 in Health, Wellbeing

A few days ago I read an article in the newspaper about a female sex worker who contracted the deadly AIDS disease from her many years in this line of work. In her story, she talked about her live as a sex worker as well as how difficult it proved to be to get her clients to use contraceptives. And because of the refusal of her clients to use condoms, it has resulted in her contracting AIDS today.

In cases where men are irresponsible as to refuse the use of contraceptives as a measure of safety to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is there nothing else that the women can do? Most are likely to think so. But perhaps this is because they are forgetting that women too can use contraceptives to protect themselves from STDs.

There is the female version of the male condom called femidom which works in pretty much the same way as the condoms, except that it is to be worn by women. Not only do femidoms help to prevent unwanted pregnancies, more importantly they provide leverage for women to have safe sex.

There could be many who question whether the use of femidoms are safe and comfortable, and whether the process of putting on the femidom is a mood killer in the bed room. Before we even think about the negativity of using this method of contraception, perhaps one should question the consequences of not using any contraception at all.

To answer the above question of whether the femidom is safe and comfortable for a woman’s use, I found a rather reassuring explanation of how femidom works for women. This paragraph is taken from BritishCondoms.co.uk:

Made from polyurethane, Femidom is a disposable, odourless sheath specially designed to protect women by lining the inside of the vagina. Femidom is pre-lubricated and it warms immediately to your body temperature. It is soft and comfortable to use, and gives you the sensitivity you require during love making. There is an inner ring, inside the sheath, which helps you insert Femidom as quickly and easily as a tampon. It is stronger than latex, odourless, causes no allergic reactions, and, unlike latex, may be used with both oil-based and water-based lubricants. It can be inserted prior to intercourse, is not dependent on the male erection, and does not require immediate withdrawal after ejaculation. With correct and consistent use, Femidom is as effective as other barrier methods and has practically no side effects or risks.

It is hoped that women will not resign to the myth that practising safe sex and preventing STDs is the sole responsibility that lies in men. We too can take control of this and be proactive to do something about it. Be smart and stay healthy!

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