MPUMALANGA health and welfare authorities have set aside R4-million to boost the distribution of female condoms across the province in the battle against Aids, said chief medical officer, Dr Kelvin Billinghurst, on Tuesday. He said the female condom, which is inserted into the vagina and also covers the external genitalia, was initially regarded as a novelty, but is now positively accepted by both male and female users. “It is reported to feel natural, non-restrictive, clean, enhances sexual stimulation and reduces painful intercourse,” explained Billinghurst. He said the female condom increased women’s ability to negotiate safer sex because it could be inserted prior to sex.