Barrier Methods

 

Barrier methods of birth control include methods that provide a barrier between the sperm and the egg.  Barrier methods are generally not as effective as long-acting reversible or hormonal methods, but when used correctly and consistently their effectiveness can approach that of the pill.  Some of the barrier methods protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 

 

Male condom

 

  • What is it?  A condom is a thin sheath, made out of latex or synthetic materials, that fits over an erect penis and acts as a barrier between the man’s sperm and the woman’s body.  If condoms are used consistently and correctly, they are an effective method of birth control. Regardless of what type of birth control method you select, condoms should always be used to protect against STIs, unless both you and your partner have been tested and have no STIs and are only having sex with each other.  Condoms are widely available without a prescription at many drug and grocery stores. Lamb skin condoms are available for those allergic to latex but are not considered as effective.  Condoms come in different sizes, textures, flavors and colors, and spermicidal condoms are also available.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  85% typical use, 98% perfect use.

  • Who should use it?  Everyone should use a male condom if at risk for a STI.  Condoms are a reliable, inexpensive method of birth control but must be used correctly and every time you have sex, which can be difficult.  Can interrupt sex play in order to insert or put on.  Some women or men may be allergic to latex, a material used in some condoms.  Condoms and spermicides used together may be just as effective as birth control pills.  Male and female condoms should not be used together because the latex could tear.

 

 

Female condom

 

  • What is it?  The Reality Female Condom is a soft, loose pouch which is inserted into the vagina. Flexible rings at each end hold the pouch in place. The inner ring stays inside the vagina while the outer ring stays outside over the vulva. The female condom should only be used one time and then discarded. It is prelubricated but extra lubricant is recommended. It may be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse. Male and female condoms should not be used together because the latex could tear.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  79% typical use, 95% perfect use.

  • Who should use it?  The female condom is a great method for women who do not want to rely on their partner to use a condom and for protection against sexually transmitted infections or an unintended pregnancy.

 

 

Vaginal Spermicides

 

  • What is it?  Spermicides contain a chemical that kills sperm on contact.  They are easily available at drug or grocery stores without a prescription and have few side effects.  Spermicides are more effective if they are used with another barrier method, such as a male condom or diaphragm.  Spermicides may be in the form of a gel, foam, cream, contraceptive film, suppository, or tablet. Instructions on how to use a spermicide are provided in the box or can be obtained from your health care provider.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  71% typical use, 82% perfect use.

  • Who should use it?  Spermicides are a relatively inexpensive form of birth control, that a women can control, however it must be reapplied for each act of intercourse and effectiveness decreases after one hour.

 

 

Diaphragm

 

  • What is it?  The diaphragm is a dome shaped, rubber, flexible, rimmed cup, which is fitted by your healthcare provider. Before intercourse, a woman inserts the diaphragm into her vagina and covers the cervix creating a barrier to sperm.  For added protection, about a tablespoon of spermicide (see above) is used on the inside of the diaphragm in case a sperm makes it over the rim.  If a diaphragm is fit correctly, you should not feel the diaphragm and should be able to wear it comfortably.  Your partner may feel the latex of the diaphragm but it should not cause discomfort.  You can insert your diaphragm up to 6 hours before intercourse and it may be left in place no longer than 24 hours after intercourse.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  86% typical use, 94% perfect use.

  • Who should use it?  Women often choose the diaphragm, sponge, Fem Cap or Lea’s Shield when they do not desire a hormonal method of birth control.  To use any of these methods, a woman should be comfortable touching herself in order to insert and remove these barrier methods correctly. 

 

 

Contraceptive Sponge

 

  • What is it?  The sponge is a small, soft round piece of synthetic sponge which contains a spermicide (see above). The sponge can be purchased at drug and grocery stores without a prescription.  It is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix to create a barrier and to kill sperm.  A polyester loop string is provided on the outer surface to assist in the removal of the sponge.  You may leave the sponge in place for 24 hours, no matter how many acts of intercourse occur. The sponge should be left in place for 6 hours after intercourse before it is removed, so that the spermicide can be effective.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  84% typical use, 91% perfect use.  Less effective in women who have had prior vaginal births.

  • Who should use it?  Women often choose the diaphragm, sponge, Fem Cap or Lea’s Shield when they do not desire a hormonal method of birth control.  To use any of these methods, a woman should be comfortable touching herself in order to insert and remove these barrier methods correctly.

 

 

Lea’s Shield

 

  • What is it?  Lea’s Shield is an oval device similar to a diaphragm made of silicon rubber and includes a loop which helps in removal.  The shield covers the cervix and is only made in one size so there is no fitting required. In the United States, this method is by prescription only.  Used with a spermicide.  Must be left in place for eight hours after intercourse.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  84% typical use, 91% perfect use.  Less effective in women who have had prior vaginal births.

  • Who should use it?  Women often choose the diaphragm, sponge, Fem Cap or Lea’s Shield when they do not desire a hormonal method of birth control.  To use any of these methods, a woman should be comfortable touching herself in order to insert and remove these barrier methods correctly.

 

 

FemCap

 

  • What is it? The FemCap is a silicon rubber hat-shaped with a brim that flares outward.  The bowl of the cap covers the cervix completely. A spermicide is put on the inside and outside of the device before inserting it.  The FemCap comes in 3 sizes and must be fit by a health care provider. The Fem Cap must be worn for at least six hours after intercourse and no longer than 48 hours.

  • How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?  85% typical use, 91% perfect use.  Less effective in women who have had prior vaginal births.

  • Who should use it?  Women often choose the diaphragm, sponge, Fem Cap or Lea’s Shield when they do not desire a hormonal method of birth control.  To use any of these methods, a woman should be comfortable touching herself in order to insert and remove these barrier methods correctly.

 

 

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