Vaginal shield: a new female barrier method.

Among the various forms of contraceptive protection against pregnancy the condom is the only method offering protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The condom is however a male method suffering from a variety of usage drawbacks and disadvantages. A new disposable female barrier method is described along with results from a pilot study of use and acceptability. A vaginal shield is described which combines some elements and attributes of the diaphragm with the condom. The shield in effect offers advantages of both methods with potentially greater safety than that provided by each method independently. 15 cm long and constructed of thin polyurethane a bag is affixed to an outer ring designed to protect the entrance of the vagina the external orificium of the urethra and infections at the root of the penis. Such infection may result via orifices created by hairs torn through condom use. This ring also ensures against displacement of the shield into the vagina. A loose inner ring may be inserted into the bag before use and is used to introduce the shield into the vagina. The shield devoid of its inner ring and bag are then pushed into the vagina with a finger. The shield devoid of its inner ring may also be applied like a condom and inserted into the vagina by the penis. Lubrication is required and consists of polysaccaroids and nonoxynol-9. The shield allows the woman to decide when she wants to be protected against both STDs and pregnancy and may be inserted before commencing sexual intercourse. Allowing free movement of the penis the shield is not skintight like the condom. The study of method acceptability in 18 couples varying in age from 21-52 years found insertion to be generally easy that a few men felt the inner ring no shields disappeared into the vagina and that orgasm was only slightly decreased. Vaginal/penis sensitivity was slightly decreased the shield proved easy to remove and was generally evaluated more positively than the condom. On going experiments are at work to assess shield safety and acceptability.