Abstract: A device and method for intravaginal, barrier-type prevention of conception and infection by sexually-transmitted diseases based upon a barrier-type device including a flexible cervical dome having a continuous fornical rim defining an opening into the dome and a continuous, annular, vaginal brim which circumscribes and is attached to the cervical dome at the fornical rim. The vaginal brim is reverse-folded from the fornical rim, and has a dimension which continuously increases with circumferential symmetry from an anterior vaginal extension of the brim to a posterior vaginal extension of the brim which is diametrically opposite the anterior vaginal extension. The fornical rim is characterized in having a lip which extends inwardly from the opening toward the centerline of the dome. The brim has a curvature in a direction away from the dome.

Abstract: A pressure gauge which may be operably coupled to a fluid pressure supply device and a balloon catheter. The pressure gauge includes a mechanism which impedes a contaminant, such as corrosion and acid flux, from entering the pressurized fluid being measured. In one embodiment, this mechanism may include a piston positioned in a piston chamber. The piston has at least one, and preferably two, O-rings nested therearound to provide a seal with the piston chamber's wall. The piston may include an inter-gasket pressure chamber positioned between two O-rings which is communicated to the top or bottom of the piston, resulting in pressure equilibrium. Several inter-gasket pressure chambers may be provided.