Like male condom, female condom is one of the barrier methods of contraception. It is a lubricated polyurethane (a thin, soft, odorless, plastic) tube; about 6.5 inches long and has a flexible ring at each end of the sheath. The inner ring at the closed end is used to insert the condom and to hold it in place inside the vagina.
Before sexual activity begins, the woman inserts the condom into her vagina so that the closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other end slightly covers the labia (lips on the outside of the vagina). The condom loosely lines the vagina and is not tight or constricting. Please see Female Condom for more details.

Soy is an excellent source of plant-derived female hormones called phytoestrogens. The type of phytoestrogen in soy is known as isoflavones. They have a very weak effect on the body, compared to the natural hormone and have been used in helping people with menopausal symptoms.
There are not many studies done on the effects of soy on fertility. Reports in countries where soy products are consumed in large amounts indicate that the birth rate is similar to if not more than in countries where soy is not routinely consumed.
A few studies suggest that high levels of isoflavones may decrease fertility by interfering the levels of pituitary hormones which stimulate growth of the egg and ovulation. However, these are taken in very large amount which most people normally do not consume.
Experimental studies on various animal species have indicated that eating large amount of soy can have adverse effects on fertility. But there is no evidence to suggest that these results are applicable to human.
Toxicity studies did not find variations in fertility from soy consumption in healthy couples indicating that normal intake of soy is basically harmless.
As with any food, it is wise not to overconsume. If you have difficulty conceiving, it is a good idea to limit soy in your diet to rule out any possibilities of its effect on your fertility.

Please see Fertility Tests for answers.

Fibroid is a solid growth in the muscle layer of the womb. It is fairly common and is present in 20% of women of childbearing age. The cause of fibroid is not well understood although it is known to grow quickly during pregnancy or when the woman is taking hormone tablets. It usually stops growing and starts to shrink during menopause. Fibroid very rarely becomes cancerous. Since you do not have any symptom and you are near the menopausal age, it can be left alone.
Click here to read more about fibroid.

Fibroid may cause symptoms such as heavy and irregular prolonged menstruation leading to lack of blood (anemia). It can also cause bleeding or spotting in between periods (intermenstrual bleeding). During period, it may cause backache or abdominal cramps which may last for days
Treatment of symptomatic fibroid is usually by surgery. For younger woman who wishes to keep the womb for menstruation and to retain her ability to become pregnant, removal of fibroid (myomectomy) is usually preferred. However, there is the possibility that new fibroid may grow (recurrence). In older women who has completed the family removal of the womb (hysterectomy) is the treatment of choice. Myomectomy or hysterectomy can be done through the abdomen or the vagina. They can also be done by key-hole surgery (laparoscopy ) or conventional way depending on the circumstances. Click here to read more about fibroid.

Yes, they are the same screening test for abnormal babies such as Down's syndrome. It was first reported that the skin of Down's syndrome babies appeared to be excessive for their bodies, especially over the back of the neck. Ultrasound scan could identify and measure the skin fold over the back of the neck in the first trimester (at 11-14 weeks). This is known as "nuchal (neck) translucency".
Although the test does not give a definitive answer, a thick nuchal pad at the back of the neck would suggest that the baby is at a higher risk of suffering from heart defects, Down's syndrome or some other genetic disorders.