Ever since BB&W regular, Law Wanxi, wrote to me with an uncomfortable truth, that women are pretty much on their own when it comes to birth control, the more I believe he might be right. That’s why I got excited when the geniuses at the University of Washington have created a dissolving female condom that not only protects women from unwanted pregnancy, but is said to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. The process works through electrospinning, which “uses an electric field to catapult a charged fluid jet through air to create very fine, nanometer-scale fibers. The fibers can be manipulated to control the material’s solubility, strength and even geometry. Because of this versatility, fibers may be better at delivering medicine than existing technologies such as gels, tablets or pills. No high temperatures are involved, so the method is suitable for heat-sensitive molecules. The fabric can also incorporate large molecules, such as proteins and antibodies, that are hard to deliver through other methods. One of the fabrics they made dissolves within minutes, potentially offering users immediate, discrete protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.”
The docs are hoping to get the female condoms to women in Africa, where HIV and AIDS still rage rampant. However, critics are wondering it the items will be used when folks are getting hot and heavy.
I say, the more options the better. But not everyone feels that way. I’m looking at the comments on the original article, and I have to wonder what the cuss all these people are afraid of.
I am fine with male condoms. I would get into the rhythm method, but I don't trust it enough...yet. I cannot take pills, because even the mildest ones are too strong. For me, there are only two fool-proof ways of not getting pregnant. No intercourse at all, or sex while already pregnant. LOL!
I think all new methods need to be tested, and slowly entered into the public, then monitored. Of course, this is the testing method used in labs and on small groups of women, but I have not trusted birth control since Norplant. Luckily, I was single for over a decade, so I didn't need anything. Abstinence works quite well for hardcore introverts.As far as the comments above from the original article, I can see a couple of points. I think if the industry is going to use this form of birth control, it should be implemented in the United States first. The West's interests and involvement in Africa do not have a good reputation, due to the past and present. They need to implement that post-tested and verified birth control here, not on another continent, no matter what the problems are over there. Of course, they can make a bucketload of money if they do make it available in Africa. However, will it be a choice, or will African women be coerced to use it, even if they are not forced?
When it comes to a woman's womb, vagina, and everything reproductive, I think we should always be leery until all testing and follow up (and I mean long range) has been done. I love technological advancements, but I do not agree with supporting this before extensive testing and monitoring has been done on American women first. However, this is an interesting breakthrough, if it works, and doesn't have detrimental side effects.
Yes, I also like the device that destroys the rapists penis. That is a good one. Scare those fools half to death, if they don't bleed to death laying on top of their victim, or murder their victim first. I would like to think of other possibilities, but one of them would be thousands of women and girls living in some flowery and fantastically beautiful compound the size of a small state, with no men around...totally unrealistic.
I have been away for a while, but I am finally back. I have a lot of catching up to do, ladies (and gentlemen). Bear with me. I have many articles to read, and some to comment on. It is good to be back. You ladies have been writing like the wind!!! :-D
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