The use of condoms by men can be traced back several thousand years. Ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease while the syphilis epidemic in Europe gave rise to the first published account of the condom.  Since the nineteenth century, condoms have been one of the most popular methods of contraception in the world.  Although a very useful tool to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and a useful birth control method, it left the decision making to the male.

The discovery of the birth control pill enabled women to prevent pregnancy while remaining sexually active. However the birth control pill is ineffective in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. It is only with the invention of the female condom that women have had the power to protect themselves while enjoying a sexual encounter. A women may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use a condom himself.  The female condom is a strong, soft, transparent sheath, with a flexible ring at each end, worn by a woman during sex. It provides a barrier between partners to prevent sharing of bodily fluids like semen, blood, or saliva. This helps ensure that sexually transmitted infections are not passed and pregnancy does not occur. Female condoms are 79-95% effective.

The female condom has many other advantages as well. The female condom can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse and therefore does not interfere with that special moment. It is made of polyurethane and nitrile and these materials are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex. Also, they can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants.  These materials are thin and conduct heat well, so sensation is preserved.

However, the female condom does have some disadvantages;  it can make a crinkling noise during sexual intercourse but adding more lubricant can lessen this problem. The outer frame is visible outside the vagina making some women self-conscious. The female condom is not difficult to use but it may take some practice to get used to. It is recommended that first-time users review instructions and diagrams and also take time to practice before actually using them during sex.

One of the biggest disadvantages is that they are not always easy to find.  In some countries these condoms are hardly available at all. But in countries where it is actively promoted, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Brazil, it is widely used.   In North America, these condoms are sold over-the-counter and are available in most drugstores. If you cannot find them locally, you can buy them on the internet. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and The United Nations HIV/AIDS programs (UNAIDS) are encouraging wider access to the female condom as a method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. They recognize the importance and effectiveness of the female condom and are working to make it available globally.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic, autoimmune disease that causes joint destruction and functional disability. This means that it is a long term disease that gets worse with time. For a person with rheumatoid arthritis the immune system does not function properly so this disease not only affects the joints but may affect any system in the body such as the blood vessels and lungs. So far, no one has discovered a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Most arthritis treatments are designed to relieve symptoms but not to eliminate the disease. The purpose of the following tips is to provide arthritis help with suggestions to relieve your symptoms.

Keep active and maintain movement in your joints as much as possible. Even a small movement is better than no movement. This will keep your joints functioning better for a longer period of time.  Exercise is a must to strengthen your muscles, protect your joints and keep you mobile while helping you to stay upbeat. Try to exercise when you first wake up in the morning to help ease morning stiffness. Then exercise again just before going to bed to prevent stiffness from developing. Exercise works best when inflammation has calmed down and you are in the least amount of pain.

For rheumatoid arthritis help there are a few types of exercises that are recommended. The simplest and easiest exercises are called range of motion exercises. These exercises help maintain good movement by putting your joints through their full range of movement.  Isometrics help strengthen muscles as does weight bearing exercises such as walking. These should be done under the supervision of a therapist or physician to prevent further injury. Stretching helps make the muscles more flexible. Swimming and exercises in a heated pool provide good arthritis help for people with RA. Don’t overdo it. If, after 24 hours, your pain has increased considerably cut back on the frequency and amount of exercise you’re doing. On the other hand if an exercise provides you with relief continue doing it for arthritis help.

• Maintain an ideal weight because being overweight puts extra stress on your joints. If you are carrying extra weight then losing weight will help increase joint function.
• Try using a water bed. The slight motions made by a water bed while you are lying down can help reduce morning stiffness. Also, a heated water bed may warm the joints and relieve joint pain. If a water bed is not feasible then try a sleeping bag because it very effectively traps heat which helps reduce morning aches and pains.
• Learn to live with your arthritis by protecting your joints. Replace doorknobs and round faucets with long handles which require a less stressful grip to operate. Use automatic appliances to do the work for you such as can openers.
• Whenever possible use your arm instead of your hand to carry out an activity such as pushing a heavy door open.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from your family members or friends.

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