It's a "Ms"tery!!!!

[Ms. S.J. Rickard]

Sorry about the awful pun, couldn't resist!!!
I use Ms as a title (although my institute automatically issues Ms as an 
e mail address to all female employees).
I use it as it doesn't give my marital status away, as I don't see why I 
should if men don't have to. I pronounce it "mzz" and I find more and 
more women are using it, as they find Miss patronizing and unnecessary.
Is it as widely used in the States or elsewhere????
Sarah