Houston health organization will host female condom launch parties

The creators of the FC2 female condom have collaborated with health officials in Houston, Texas, to garner attention for their product and its ability to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Members of the Female Health Company have descended on the city to educate health providers about the use of FC2 and how to encourage local women to use the condoms.

"We are very pleased that the FC2 Female Condom is now available in Houston," said Susan Rokes of Planned Parenthood. "This is a big step toward improving sexuality education and promoting reproductive health care."

One strategy that health officials said they would use to promote the product is training hairdressers and other service providers on how to discuss the FC2 and STD prevention with their clients.

The female condom is currently the only FDA-approved form of pregnancy and STD prevention that is initiated by women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 19 million new reports of STDs each year and these infections cost the U.S. healthcare system more than $16 billion annually.

Individuals who have engaged in unprotected sex and would like to be screened for STDs may consider using online testing services.