A new female condom is being launched in Europe in the run up to World Aids Day.

The US-based manufacturer of V-Amour claims it provides the same protection as all condoms but is easier to use and cheaper.

Female condoms made from thin, soft, lubricated plastic have been available around the world for some years.

The new female condom

The new design consists of a polyurethane sponge tucked inside a latex pouch.

Inventor, Dr AVK Reddy, predicts it will become "extremely successful as an Aids prevention method because of its low cost for distribution around the world".

Old-style female condoms are regarded as 95% effective if used according to instructions. This means that 5 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

In the UK, there are two ways to tell if a make of condom has been properly tested: the BSI Kitemark and the European CE mark.

'Extending choice'

Distributor Intellx Inc says the new female condom is CE approved for sale throughout Europe.

It is currently available only in Germany but discussions are underway to bring it to Britain.

The UK Family Planning Association said as an independent organisation it did not endorse individual brands. But it said condoms were vital in the fight against Aids.

"The female condom has proved popular in developing countries and we welcome any innovation that encourages people to use condoms and extends contraceptive choice," said a spokesperson.

Lisa Power, of the UK's largest Aids and HIV charity, said: "Terrence Higgins Trust welcomes any new method of contraception which may encourage people to practice safer sex and protect themselves from a range of sexually transmitted infections including HIV."